Authorities in Bali have stepped up their campaign against disruptive visitors, threatening those found guilty with fines and even expulsion.
Visitors to the Island of the Gods who misbehave risk being reported through a new hotline established with the creation of the Bali Becik Task Force.
Immigration Director General Silmy Karim has called for the new body.
Officials plan to conduct 100 immigration checks each month, which could result in fines or even deportations.
“We hope that with the formation of the Bali Becik Task Force, the level of violations of laws and norms by foreigners in Bali will decrease,” Karim told local reporters.
Tourists who spend little money allegedly cause more trouble than those who spend more, Karim said.
“The main problem regarding foreigners in Bali is the large number of foreign tourists with low spending who often make trouble,” he said.
“Because Bali is included in the category of cheap tourist destinations, so it attracts thin-pocketed tourists.”
A new hotline has been set up to take reports of foreign people breaking the law or offending cultural norms, and locals have been urged to use it.
According to Robbie Gaspar, president of the Indonesian Institute, the new rules are aimed primarily at the influx of Russians who have left Vladimir Putin’s war with Ukraine.
Russians have angered locals after claims that they open illegal businesses, touch sacred trees and monuments, and disrespect local customs and culture.
“I don’t think (Aussies have anything to worry about),” he said.
“If you’re doing the right thing, you should be fine.”
Local authorities have taken a number of measures in recent months, including Bali Becik, which will remain in effect until the end of the year.
The authorities have only recently drawn up a list of “dos and don’ts” to prevent inappropriate behavior.
What you can and cannot do in Bali is written on a card that is put in your passport when you enter the country.
Authorities are also cracking down more strictly on tourists renting motorcycles and scooters, ensuring that users have the necessary licenses. Previously, there was little enforcement strategy.
A tourist tax was recently introduced, and local officials have already floated the concept of a “quota system” that would require visitors to the resort island to stand in line to be allowed entry.
163 Foreigners who flouted the law, disregarded cultural standards, overstayed their visas, or violated the terms of their visas were expelled from Bali between January and June 23.