Indonesian authorities create Bali Besik task force to crack down on unruly tourists

Authorities in Bali have launched a new crackdown on disruptive tourists, who could be fined and even deported for unruly tourists.

With the creation of the Bali Besik task force, a new hotline could lead to misbehaving tourists being kicked off to the island of the gods.

Watch the video above: Mass crackdown on troublemakers in Bali.

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The new agency was established at the request of Immigration Director-General Silmy Karim.

Officials have set a target of 100 immigration control actions per month, which are expected to result in fines and even deportations.

“We hope that with the establishment of the Bali Besik Taskforce, the level of violation of laws and norms by foreigners in Bali will decrease,” Karim told local reporters.

Karim claims there is a strong link between low-spending tourists and the trouble they cause.

“The main problem faced by foreigners in Bali is the large number of low-spending foreign tourists who often create trouble,” he said.

“Because Bali falls into the budget travel destination category, it attracts tourists with deep pockets.”

Islanders are urged to use the new hotline to report foreigners who witness violations of the law or disrespect cultural norms.

Robbie Gaspar, director of the Indonesian Institute, said the new rules were more aimed at the influx of Russians fleeing Vladimir Putin’s war with Ukraine.

Reports that Russians are opening illegal businesses and that tourists from the country are disrespecting local culture and traditions by touching sacred trees and monuments have sparked outrage among locals.

“I don’t think (Australians have anything to worry about),” he said.

“If you’re doing the right thing, you should be fine.”

Bali Becik, which will run until the end of the year, is one of a series of measures local officials have rolled out in recent months.

Just recently, authorities rolled out a list of “dos and don’ts” aimed at stamping out bad behaviour.

At immigration, a card with a checklist is stuffed into the passport detailing what you can and can’t do in Bali.

Authorities have also cracked down on holidaymakers renting motorcycles and scooters, ensuring riders have the relevant licences. Previously, enforcement was fairly lax.

Local officials have also previously floated the idea of ​​a “quota system”, requiring tourists to wait in line for a chance to visit the resort island, while recently introducing a tourist tax.

Between January and June 23, Bali deported 163 foreigners who violated the law, did not respect cultural norms, overstayed their visas or violated the conditions of their visas.

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