Bali’s new immigration patrol units have been spotted on deployment in the popular tourist resort of Legian.
In early August, the Indonesian Minister for Immigration announced that he had ordered the Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force to get to work cracking down on unruly foreigners on the island.
Bali is on track to welcome more than 6.5 million international arrivals by the end of 2025. Current projections suggest that the province could be on track to smash tourism targets and have yet another record-breaking year.
While the vast majority of international tourists to the island are law-abiding and culturally respectful, leaders in Bali have long been concerned about the rising number of foreigners found to be engaging in crime, flouting immigration laws, and disrespecting local culture.
In fact, due to the apparent soaring number of immigration violations recorded in Bali Province during the first quarter of the year, the Indonesian Immigration was prompted to totally change the way in which tourists and social visa holders extend their visas. Between January and April 2025, 1,620 immigration violations were recorded, representing a more than 36% increase from the same period in 2024.
Post-pandemic, it has become possible to extend most visitor and social cultural visas totally online. However, in light of Indonesian Immigration wishing to keep closer tabs on foreigners on the island, the new Hybrid Application System is in place.
The new visa extension system came into effect on the 29th May 2025 and is applicable to both the visa on arrival and e-visa on arrival categories.
The process now requires extension applicants to register their extension application online first, then visit their closest immigration office in person no more than 2 working days after their online registration for travel document checks and biometrics.
The visa extension application process is just one of many steps that the Indonesian Immigration is taking to help level up security and ensure that all foreigners on the island are obeying the rules.
It was announced in early August by the Indonesian Minister for Immigration, Agus Andrianto, that the Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force, known as Satgas, would be deployed across strategic spots in Bali’s busiest tourism areas.
These officers have been tasked with ensuring public order and following up on any potential visa violations. Immigration officers will have a specific focus on foreigners who are working illegally, conducting illegal business, disrupting public order and peace, or engaging in criminal activity. Officers are recognisable by their black uniforms and protective vests, which also now feature body cams.
Officers will be conducting patrols on foot, as seen earlier this week in the popular resort of Legian, as well as with motorcycles and official immigration cars.
Minister Andrianto confirmed that the deployment of the Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force came with the blessing of President Prabowo Subianto. Minister Andrianto explained, “The establishment of this Immigration Patrol Task Force is a follow-up from the President’s direction to ensure stability and security in Bali as one of Indonesia’s main tourist destinations.”
The teams will be deployed across ten strategic locations within the jurisdiction of the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar Immigration Offices.
In North Kuta, teams will be deployed in Canggu, Seminyak, and Kerobokan. In Denpasar, teams will be deployed around Sanur’s Matahari Terbit Beach and Benoa.
Down on the Bukit, officers will conduct patrols in Uluwatu Beach and in Bingin Beach, as well as Mertasari Beach. Patrols will be conducted in the resort area of Kuta, Nusa Dua, and throughout Ubud.
The moves by Indonesia’s Immigration to show more of a public presence and proactive response to potential violations are echoed by the Bali Provincial Government’s commitment to show ‘no mercy’ to foreigners found to be breaking the law and disrespecting local culture.
Tourists traveling to Bali are urged to read up on the list of mandated Do’s and Don’ts for Bali Tourists prior to arrival.
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