Police in Bali have confirmed that they will be increasing night patrols over the next few months.
These patrols are set to take place in areas prone to crime, including Benoa Harbour and South Kuta.
As Bali prepares for the Christmas and New Year holiday period, police will be tightening up security efforts across the board. One of the areas of Bali where police are focusing attention right now is Benoa Harbor.
The whole Benoa area is undergoing a major redevelopment into the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub, and in the last week, two jumbo cruise vessels have docked in the harbour, bringing more than 2,000 passengers ashore.
Bali Police are patrolling Benoa as a preventive effort to discourage crime and crack down on anti-social behaviour, including drinking.
The first patrol of this kind was held on Saturday, 15th November, led by the Chief of the Benoa Harbor Police, Commissioner Ni Wayan Adnyani Prabawati.
A team of 31 officers from the full spectrum of Bali’s security agencies was deployed, including 12 personnel from the Benoa Police, the Indonesian Navy, and the Bali Regional Police’s Security and Security Agency (Polda Obvit), as well as Pelindo. Operational and Operational Utilization Unit (KSOP), two personnel from the Water Police (Polairud), Marine and Fisheries Resources Development Agency (PSDKP), and Bali Immigration.
Commissioner Prabawati told reporters, “The increased security on Saturday nights is a routine activity aimed at preventing negative behavior such as excessive alcohol consumption, illegal racing, speeding, and other potential threats in the Benoa Harbor area.”
The patrols were deemed a success since no crime was detected; however, officers did intervene with a group of ship crew who were drinking and nearing the point of excess. The Benoa Police have emphasized their commitment to intensifying preventive measures in the area.
In South Kuta, police patrols are similarly intensified as the end of the year approaches. The patrol carried out by South Kuta Police on Sunday, 16th November, was led by South Kuta Police Chief, Commissioner I Komang Agus Dharmayana W.
The team was specifically targeting illegal street racing and drive-by robberies. Teams were also on the lookout for drink and drug-related offences as well as searches for weapons. Patrol teams were divided into three beats and sent on routes to Benoa Village-Kutu Village, Tanjung Benoa Village-Jimbaran Village, and Ungasan Village-Pecatu Village.
Police Commissioner Agus Dharmayana told reporters, “This patrol is a follow-up to the leadership’s order to protect the public from illegal racing and street crime. Our presence in vulnerable areas is to ensure the public feels safe and the situation remains conducive.”
As the end of the year approaches, Bali is ready to prepare for the huge influx of tourists who will arrive to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
During the festive season, there is always a spike in the number of reported crimes in Bali’s top tourism areas. Bali Police are committed to ensuring that tourists feel safe and comfortable during their stay on the island.
Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Police Chief of Kuta, Commissioner Agus Riwayanto Diputra, shared his hopes that this festive season will be safe and enjoyable for everyone in Bali.
Police Chief Diputra told reporters, “We’ve strengthened patrols and added personnel to vulnerable locations, places of worship, busy centres and the main routes in the Kuta tourist area.”
He added, “We are also on alert for potential natural disasters approaching the end of the year, such as extreme weather, flooding, and high waves.”
“The Kuta Police, along with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and related agencies, have prepared anticipatory measures to ensure a swift and measured response in the event of an emergency.”
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