Asia's most beautiful island urged to deport badly behaved tourists amid rising crime concerns

Komang Nova Sewi Putra, deputy chairman of Bali’s legislative council, advocated for the deportation of foreign nationals who break the law as a decisive measure to ensure Bali's security, the South China Morning Post reported.

Putra stated, "If we were abroad and got into a fight, we would immediately be deported. Why isn't this enforced in Bali? Once caught, deport them. This will make Bali safer."

Nyoman Budiutama, chairman of Commission I of Bali's legislative council, emphasized that Bali's security situation requires serious attention, especially due to the recent increase in criminal cases involving foreign nationals and permit violations, The Bali Sun reported.

The most prominent offenses are conventional crimes such as theft and traffic violations by foreigners, as well as violations of residence permits used for business purposes, he added.

Data shows that Bali police recorded 3,538 incidents of public order and security disturbances from January to July 21, 2025, involving both Indonesian nationals and foreigners.

Of this number, 2,776 were criminal cases, including conventional crimes, transnational crimes, and violations of state assets.

Crimes committed by foreign nationals were predominantly assaults and fraud, while crimes affecting foreign victims were mostly theft, robbery, and extortion.

Bali was named Asia's most beautiful island in this year's annual Reader's Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine. In October last year, the island received the same recognition from readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its Readers' Choice Awards.

Bali welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and aims to attract 6.5 million tourists this year.

To address misbehavior and improve its tourism image amid the travel boom, the island has recently introduced new guidelines for foreign visitors.