Sopian Hadi, Denpasar – Indonesian authorities are ramping up immigration enforcement in Bali following a series of high-profile crimes involving foreign nationals, raising concerns about safety on the Island of the Gods.

The Bali regional office of immigration said it will deploy all personnel to strengthen monitoring of foreigners, a shift from relying primarily on dedicated supervisory units. The policy, set to take effect in mid-April, comes amid what officials describe as a deterioration in public security.

"We will mobilize all personnel to gather information in the field and conduct early detection of potential risks," said Felicia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali Regional Office of Immigration and Corrections, in a statement.

Data from Bali Police show a rise in cases involving foreign nationals throughout 2025, with hundreds recorded as either suspects or victims, underscoring growing risks tied to the island's large international community.

Recent incidents have drawn particular attention. Indonesian authorities last week arrested British national Steven Lyons, who was listed on an Interpol red notice, shortly after he arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Police allege Lyons is linked to an organized crime network involved in money laundering and drug trafficking across Europe. He is expected to be deported to face legal proceedings abroad.

In a separate case, police are investigating the alleged kidnapping and killing of a 28-year-old Ukrainian national whose remains were discovered near a beach in Gianyar. Authorities have detained one suspect and placed six other foreign nationals on a wanted list, seeking Interpol assistance to track them across borders.

Violent crime has also surfaced in tourist areas. A Dutch national was fatally stabbed in March at a villa in North Kuta in a late-night attack by assailants on a motorcycle. Police have identified two Brazilian nationals as suspects, who are believed to have fled Indonesia shortly after the incident.

Authorities are also pursuing non-violent offenses involving foreigners. A French national was recently detained at the airport in connection with explicit online content, in a case that could carry a lengthy prison sentence under Indonesian law.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/bali-tightens-immigration-as-foreign-crime-cases-surg