Bali may consider swift deportation of rule-breaking foreigners

Authorities in Bali are calling for immediate deportation of foreign visitors involved in crimes or acts that violate local customs, as concerns grow over the rising number of offences involving international tourists on the Indonesian island, according to a report by South China Morning Post.

Komang Nova Sewi Putra, deputy chairman of Bali’s legislative council, said the current response to unruly behaviour by foreigners is insufficient and warned that delays in deportation undermine public safety and Bali’s global image. “If we were abroad in a fight, we would immediately deport them. Why isn’t it implemented in Bali? Once caught, deport them. The effect is to make Bali safe,” he said during a council session on Tuesday, as reported by The Bali Sun.

The demand follows a series of high-profile incidents that have drawn public attention, including the June 14 fatal shooting of an Australian national, Zivan Radmanovic, at a villa near Munggu Beach. Three Australian men have been arrested and are facing charges of premeditated murder and illegal possession of firearms, both of which carry penalties up to life imprisonment or the death sentence under Indonesian law.


In another recent case, Australian national Nelson James was arrested in Badung for alleged drug possession. Police say the majority of criminal cases involving foreigners this year have included assault and fraud. From January 1 to June 21, police recorded 108 criminal cases involving foreign suspects, as well as 40 drug-related offences. The most common nationalities involved were from Russia, Australia, the United States, India, and Ukraine.

According to the South China Morning Post report, authorities also recorded 176 incidents in which foreigners were victims of crime, mostly involving theft, robbery, and extortion. Senior Commissioner Soelistijono of the Bali Police said that consular representatives from several countries had been invited to remind their citizens to follow local laws and customs. “If security is shaken, then not only the tourism sector will be affected, but Bali’s reputation as a world destination will also be tarnished,” he warned.

Traffic violations by foreign drivers are also on the rise, adding to the list of issues prompting official concern. Putra called for tighter visa enforcement and better categorisation of foreign arrivals. “Find out who has a work visa, who is just on vacation, who is just causing trouble. That must be clear,” he said.

Tourist behaviour has been under increased scrutiny in recent months. In April, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the government would take a “no mercy” stance against foreigners who break local laws, following an incident involving an American tourist at a clinic.

The governor’s remarks came shortly after the introduction of new travel guidelines, which include advice on appropriate dress, conduct, and cultural respect, aimed at preserving Balinese traditions while welcoming international tourism.