BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The Bali Provincial Government has expressed strong support for stricter immigration controls targeting foreign nationals, as authorities move to reinforce law enforcement and public order on the island.

Governor Wayan Koster delivered the statement during the inauguration of the Immigration Patrol Task Force “Dharma Dewata,” held at Puputan Margarana Niti Mandala Renon Field on Wednesday (April 15). The patrol roll call involved around 100 officers and is seen as a crucial step in addressing cases involving foreign tourists and residents.

“We, on behalf of the Bali Provincial Government and the Balinese people, express our gratitude to the Minister and especially the Director General of Immigration for taking concrete action through this immigration patrol,” Koster said. “This is essential in handling various cases involving foreign nationals, including tourists.”

According to Koster, the presence of the immigration patrol is a strategic move to maintain stability and security in Bali, which has recently faced disturbances linked to violations committed by foreign nationals. He emphasized that the provincial government will continue strengthening coordination with immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies.

“We highly appreciate this effort and will continue to enhance coordination and collaboration in handling foreign tourists and residents in Bali, particularly in enforcing order and taking action against legal violations within the territory of the Republic of Indonesia,” he stressed.

Koster explained that different types of violations are handled according to institutional authority. Criminal offenses fall under the jurisdiction of Bali Police, while administrative violations are addressed by immigration authorities, including deportation and other sanctions.

“If it constitutes a criminal offense, it is handled by law enforcement, in this case the Bali Police Chief. Meanwhile, other violations of a certain category are handled by immigration, such as deportation or other administrative measures,” he said.

He added that heightened supervision is increasingly necessary amid recent incidents that could disrupt Bali’s safety and comfort, including those related to foreign business activities.

As part of concrete measures, the Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with immigration authorities and Bali Police, will intensify three main strategies: prevention, monitoring, and enforcement against violations committed by foreign nationals.

“We will intensively carry out joint activities with immigration and the Bali Police to implement three key measures—prevention, supervision, and enforcement of violations in Bali Province,” Koster stated.

In addition, Koster highlighted efforts to optimize the foreign tourist levy policy. He revealed that meetings have been held with the Minister of Immigration and relevant officials, including senior immigration figures, to discuss further steps to enhance the effectiveness of the policy.

“We have held meetings with the Minister, the Director General of Immigration, and regional officials regarding the optimization of the foreign tourist levy in Bali. In principle, the central government fully supports this, and it will be followed up through joint agreements,” he concluded.