Tourists in Bali’s Canggu may have seen more security operations happening in the popular resort this weekend.
North Kuta Police, who oversee security of Canggu, were deployed across the area in full security gear, in anticipation of unruly behaviour and illegal activities.
On Saturday, 10th and Sunday, 11th January 2025, the Bali Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) teamed up with the North Kuta Police to conduct a series of late-night patrols in the increasingly busy and popular resort of Canngu.
The team was deployed in full security gear across the Batu Bolong area of the resort.
Speaking to reporters, officers confirmed that they patrolled and searched every entertainment venue, hangout spot, shop front, and several other tourism businesses.
The patrols were targeting the use of sharp weapons, firearms, alcoholic beverages, and drug trafficking. North Kuta Police Chief, Commissioner I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina, shared, “This Saturday night patrol is part of a preventive effort to maintain order and security in the tourist area.”
He added, “We want to ensure that visitors can enjoy their vacation safely and comfortably.” Sudina noted that the deployment of Bali Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers, who are usually deployed during top security operations, protests, riots, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest, demonstrates the Bali Police’s commitment to strengthening security, particularly in tourist areas and at night.
He shared his hopes that the presence of officers in Canggu will provide comfort and assurance to the public while they are going about their vacation activities.
Sudina confirmed that these kinds of intense patrols will continue throughout Canggu and surrounding resort areas in the coming weeks and months. He called on the public, including tourists, holidaymakers, and international residents in the area, to work cooperatively with the teams on patrol. He noted, “We urge the public and tourists to remain vigilant and careful, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
With Canggu easily the most in-demand travel destination in the south of Bali right now, efforts to prioritise safety and uphold the law are being intensified. Back in October 2025, Immigration Task Force Officers started conducting regular patrols and spot checks of tourists visiting the area.
Officers from the Immigration Task Force have been conducting an increasing number of patrols in top tourism resorts over the last six months, including in Seminyak, Legian, Ubud, and Nusa Dua.
Canggu is a prime focus point due to the huge number of tourists and long-stay foreigners in the area. Canggu is incredibly popular with digital nomads, investors, and entrepreneurs who are cited by Immigration as being the most likely to violate the conditions of their visas and stay permits, alongside tourists.
Foreigners in Bali are required to carry their passports on their person at all times. In the event that a foreigner is stopped by an immigration officer, they are expected to be able to present their passport, visa, and stay permit and answer questions about their stay.
Speaking in August, at the launch of the new Immigration Task Force team, Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman, confirmed that a specialist team of 100 officers would be deployed to patrol Bali’s top tourism resorts and attractions.
He explained, “Patrol Officers will patrol the predetermined route, especially in areas prone to immigration violations or areas where [international tourist] activities are concentrated. The patrol movement schedule is carried out periodically and randomly to avoid predictable patterns.”
It is also common for Bali Police to conduct night patrols in top tourist resorts such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur. Officers are often supported by and accompanied by traditional pecalang officers, who are local village security officers.
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