Increase Supervision of Foreign Nationals in Bali, Immigration Forms Special Task Force ‘Dharma Dewata’

Bali, KORANTRANSAKSI.com - The Directorate General of Immigration has formed an Immigration Patrol Task Force to monitor potential violations by foreign nationals (FNs) in Bali. The task force is called Dharma Dewata.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko aims for the task force to reduce immigration and criminal offenses committed by foreign nationals on the Island of the Gods. "Even if there are no violations, at least these foreign nationals will know that Immigration is present to monitor them and ready to take action," he said.

The inauguration was attended by around 100 Immigration officers from across Bali. Task force members will routinely patrol several locations considered potentially prone to immigration and criminal violations.

"The Dharma Dewata Patrol Task Force will actively patrol several locations deemed vulnerable to immigration violations to realize safe, high-quality tourism in Bali," he said.

He noted that from January 1 to April 12, 2026, Bali Immigration has deported around 165 foreign nationals and detained 62 foreign nationals for offenses ranging from public order violations to immigration breaches.

At the same event, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the formation of the task force and patrols is necessary given that some foreign nationals still cause trouble while visiting Bali. "It has been identified that if it is a criminal offense, it will be handled by law enforcement, in this case the Regional Police. Other specific categories of violations are handled by immigration, deportation, or other forms of punishment," he said.

"This is very necessary because recently incidents have occurred fairly frequently that disturb the comfort and security of Bali related to the presence and existence of tourism in Bali," he added.

Notable cases that occurred throughout March 2026 include the kidnapping with mutilation of Ukrainian national Igor Komarov, the stabbing and killing of Dutch national Rene Pouw, and a rape case involving a tourist in Bali. Police have not yet succeeded in apprehending the perpetrators of the mutilation and murder cases. (TA/TEAM)