DENPASAR – Bali’s Police Chief, Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, has reaffirmed that foreigners who violate the law in Bali will be prosecuted according to Indonesian regulations. His statement followed a meeting with consulates from 40 countries at Bali Police Headquarters.
“According to Indonesian law, any foreign national who commits a crime will face legal action,” Daniel stated on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Handling crimes involving foreign nationals requires coordination with their respective consulates to determine whether any diplomatic agreements exist between their countries and Indonesia.
Increase in Foreign-Related Crimes in Bali
According to data obtained by detikBali, 83 foreigners were involved in criminal cases in Bali in 2023, including general crimes and drug-related offenses. In 2024, this number increased to 108.
Traffic violations leading to accidents have also risen. In 2023, 71 foreign nationals were recorded violating traffic laws, resulting in accidents. This figure grew to 91 in 2024.
“There is a growing trend of public disturbances, including traffic violations and criminal activities. Foreigners are not just victims but also perpetrators,” Daniel explained.
He urged consulates to recognize the rising crime rates and advise their citizens to respect local laws while in Bali.
“If their citizens visit Bali, we ask for their help in educating them about the rules and regulations to prevent legal issues,” he added.
Bali Remains a Safe Tourist Destination
Despite the increase in foreign-related crimes, Bali’s Head of Tourism, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, assured that the island remains a safe travel destination.
“Bali’s tourism remains secure. Consulates continue to visit our office to discuss tourism-related matters,” said Pemayun.
He emphasized that many foreign visitors are unaware of local laws, which has prompted the Bali Provincial Government to increase awareness through the “Do’s and Don’ts” regulations outlined in Circular Letter No. 4 of 2023.
“Many tourists are simply unaware of the rules. This is why we are engaging with consulates to help inform their citizens about what is acceptable and what is not while in Bali,” he concluded.