BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has officially launched the “Dharma Dewata” Immigration Patrol Task Force in Bali on Wednesday (April 15), marking a strategic move to tighten immigration control and safeguard stability in one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Puputan Margarana Niti Mandala Renon Field and involved around 100 immigration officers assigned to the task force. The event was attended by the Bali Governor, regional leadership forum (Forkopimda), heads of vertical agencies, and provincial officials.

Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasized that the formation of the task force reflects the government’s strong commitment to ensuring Bali remains safe and conducive for both residents and international visitors.

“The establishment of this Immigration Patrol Task Force is a concrete step to maintain stability and security in Bali as a leading tourism destination,” Hendarsam said.

The name “Dharma Dewata” carries philosophical meaning, with “Dharma” symbolizing virtue or righteousness, and “Dewata” referring to Bali, often called the Island of the Gods. Guided by this spirit, the task force will actively conduct patrols in areas considered vulnerable to immigration violations, aiming to support a safer and higher-quality tourism environment.

Beyond strengthening supervision, the task force is also tasked with providing rapid response to potential violations. Its presence is expected to reduce unlawful activities involving foreign nationals, enhance public safety, and deliver direct immigration awareness on the ground.

Patrol operations will focus on areas with high concentrations of foreign nationals. From January 1 to April 12, 2026, Bali Immigration recorded 165 deportations and 62 detentions as part of its enforcement efforts.

“We will continue to intensify monitoring operations, both through routine regional patrols and nationwide enforcement actions, to maintain security stability and boost public trust in Immigration,” Hendarsam added.

On the same occasion, the Director General also inaugurated the Immigration Community Officers program, known as PIMPASA (Petugas Imigrasi Pembina Desa), across Bali. This initiative promotes a community-based monitoring approach in collaboration with village authorities and local leaders.

While the Dharma Dewata Task Force operates tactically in the field, PIMPASA serves as the frontline in preventive efforts at the village level. Officers are responsible for educating communities and gathering preliminary information on the presence and activities of foreign nationals in their respective areas.

The presence of PIMPASA is expected to strengthen early detection and limit the scope of immigration violations, particularly in areas not regularly covered by patrols.

“The synergy between tactical patrols by Dharma Dewata and community-based oversight through PIMPASA represents our comprehensive strategy. Bali must remain welcoming to quality tourists, while staying firm against any violations of laws and norms,” Hendarsam concluded.