UBUD, Bali – As the afternoon heat settles over Ubud’s famous Catus Pata intersection, tourists weave through traffic between Ubud Palace and the bustling art market. In the middle of the chaos, two police officers patiently direct vehicles, help pedestrians cross the road, and answer a steady stream of questions from visitors trying to find their way around Bali’s cultural heart.
For Brig. I Wayan Gede Edi Erawan and Aipda Wayan Arip Dipa, a typical shift involves far more than traffic control.
At one of Bali’s busiest tourist crossroads, they regularly assist travelers who have lost passports, misplaced wallets, become separated from companions, or simply need directions. Some ask where to find a restroom. Others need help contacting authorities after losing important documents.
The interactions are as diverse as the visitors themselves.
Travelers from Europe, the Americas, and Asia pass through the intersection every day, often stopping to seek assistance. To better serve international guests, police personnel assigned to tourism-heavy areas such as Ubud receive basic English training.
When language barriers arise, technology helps bridge the gap. Translation applications have become a practical tool when communicating with visitors who do not speak English.
The officers say some of their most common encounters involve tourists riding motorcycles without helmets. While enforcement remains part of the job, education is equally important.
Visitors are often reminded that failing to wear a helmet can result in serious injuries and may complicate insurance claims if an accident occurs.
Beyond road safety, the officers also act as an informal point of contact for travelers facing unexpected problems. Visitors who report lost passports, stolen belongings, or other incidents are guided through the reporting process and directed to the appropriate authorities.
According to Ubud Police Chief Kompol I Wayan Putra Antara, officers conduct routine patrols while remaining available to assist both domestic and international visitors throughout the area.
The approach reflects the realities of policing in one of Indonesia’s most visited destinations, where officers are often called upon to serve not only as law enforcers but also as guides, translators, and problem-solvers.
For many travelers, the interaction may last only a few minutes—a quick question, a helping hand across a busy street, or directions to the nearest facility. Yet those small moments often become part of their experience in Bali.
The daily work of the Ubud officers was recently highlighted in reporting by Indonesian outlet detikBali, offering a glimpse into a role that many visitors rarely notice but frequently rely on.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this article may contain minor inaccuracies
in names, locations, or event details. Readers are welcome to contact the editorial team for any clarification.