Bali Introduces Task Force to Tackle Ill-Mannered Tourists
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Bali sees a new dawn with its recently introduced task force on a mission to crack down on poorly behaving tourists: the Bali Becik.
Public indecency, rampaging revelry and outrageous partying may be brushed off in certain spots across the globe, but it won't fly in Bali.
Recent incidents of unruly behaviour from tourists have spurred Bali's officials to take significant action.
No longer disregarding holiday high jinks, they're challenging uncontrolled visitors head-on with the fresh task force, whose name translates to ‘Good Bali’.
The key distinction with this task force is that it was established at the specific request of the Indonesian Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, himself.
In contrast, other task forces have been sent out based on requests from the Bali provincial government.
Mr Karim articulated the aspirations behind the new task force to The Bali Sun, expressing hopes to decrease violations of laws and norms by foreigners in Bali.
These legal and normative violations he refers to have been clearly outlined in 12 Obligations and 8 Prohibitions for Foreigners imposed by the Provincial Government of Bali.
Breach these rulings, and your holiday visa could get revoked faster than you think.
How might you unknowingly cross these lines, you ask?
Bali's Don'ts List:
Well, one look at these expectations and prohibitions, and you'll find they align with basic respect for local culture and laws. It's about keeping Bali beautiful for everyone, natives and visitors alike!
Silmy's ambitious vision includes carrying out 100 monthly immigration control operations.
However, he assures us that they'll employ a subtle approach that won't rain on the paradisiacal charm of Bali.
He explained, ‘In the implementation, of course, we also synergise with the apparatuses and other relevant agencies. With this task force, I hope Bali Becik can really come true.’
The task force will remain in effect until December 31, 2023.
Mr Karim highlighted an intriguing correlation between lower-spending tourists and a higher frequency of trouble-making.
He said, ‘The main problem regarding foreigners in Bali is the large number of foreign tourists with low spending who often make trouble. Because Bali is included in the category of cheap tourist destinations, so it attracts thin-pocketed tourists.’
The Bali Becik task force is not just a hastily assembled group of officers; it's a blend of well-trained professionals from various sectors aiming to 'protect and preserve Bali's reputation.'
You'll find immigration officials from the Directorate General working alongside the provincial immigration officials, representatives of the Ngurah Rai immigration office, and officers from the Denpasar Immigration Detention Facility.
Now, is Indonesia Immigration just picking up the reins without any insights? Not at all.
They've got a comprehensive database to track every violation made by foreigners. While not all these are urgent immigration issues, they are crucial evidence to back other departments, such as police or transportation offices.
Indeed, it is fascinating how many countries are adopting similar measures. Local authorities also implemented rules to curb binge drinking and unruly behaviour at all-inclusive resorts in the famous party destination of Ibiza, Spain.
Venice, Italy, famously introduced restrictions on tourist activities like picnicking in public spaces and swimming in the canals.
Clearly, when the joy of a handful becomes the nuisance of many, action needs to be taken.
To anyone setting foot in Bali, the message is clear—enjoy your holiday, but don't abandon respect for local laws, traditions, or humans.
When basking under the Balinese sun, striding across the sandy beaches, or getting lost in the mystical temples, keep in mind that you're a visitor.
Have you experienced or witnessed unruly behaviour from tourists during your travels, and how do you feel about the impact it has on the reputation of a place?
Public indecency, rampaging revelry and outrageous partying may be brushed off in certain spots across the globe, but it won't fly in Bali.
Recent incidents of unruly behaviour from tourists have spurred Bali's officials to take significant action.
No longer disregarding holiday high jinks, they're challenging uncontrolled visitors head-on with the fresh task force, whose name translates to ‘Good Bali’.
Tourists being rude to Bali Authorities. Source: Twitter and Instagram
The key distinction with this task force is that it was established at the specific request of the Indonesian Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, himself.
In contrast, other task forces have been sent out based on requests from the Bali provincial government.
Mr Karim articulated the aspirations behind the new task force to The Bali Sun, expressing hopes to decrease violations of laws and norms by foreigners in Bali.
These legal and normative violations he refers to have been clearly outlined in 12 Obligations and 8 Prohibitions for Foreigners imposed by the Provincial Government of Bali.
Breach these rulings, and your holiday visa could get revoked faster than you think.
How might you unknowingly cross these lines, you ask?
Bali's Don'ts List:
Well, one look at these expectations and prohibitions, and you'll find they align with basic respect for local culture and laws. It's about keeping Bali beautiful for everyone, natives and visitors alike!
Silmy's ambitious vision includes carrying out 100 monthly immigration control operations.
However, he assures us that they'll employ a subtle approach that won't rain on the paradisiacal charm of Bali.
He explained, ‘In the implementation, of course, we also synergise with the apparatuses and other relevant agencies. With this task force, I hope Bali Becik can really come true.’
The task force will remain in effect until December 31, 2023.
Mr Karim highlighted an intriguing correlation between lower-spending tourists and a higher frequency of trouble-making.
He said, ‘The main problem regarding foreigners in Bali is the large number of foreign tourists with low spending who often make trouble. Because Bali is included in the category of cheap tourist destinations, so it attracts thin-pocketed tourists.’
The Bali Becik task force is not just a hastily assembled group of officers; it's a blend of well-trained professionals from various sectors aiming to 'protect and preserve Bali's reputation.'
A Russian tourist apologised after he posed semi-naked on a sacred site. Source: chila_brazilia
You'll find immigration officials from the Directorate General working alongside the provincial immigration officials, representatives of the Ngurah Rai immigration office, and officers from the Denpasar Immigration Detention Facility.
Now, is Indonesia Immigration just picking up the reins without any insights? Not at all.
They've got a comprehensive database to track every violation made by foreigners. While not all these are urgent immigration issues, they are crucial evidence to back other departments, such as police or transportation offices.
Indeed, it is fascinating how many countries are adopting similar measures. Local authorities also implemented rules to curb binge drinking and unruly behaviour at all-inclusive resorts in the famous party destination of Ibiza, Spain.
Venice, Italy, famously introduced restrictions on tourist activities like picnicking in public spaces and swimming in the canals.
Clearly, when the joy of a handful becomes the nuisance of many, action needs to be taken.
To anyone setting foot in Bali, the message is clear—enjoy your holiday, but don't abandon respect for local laws, traditions, or humans.
When basking under the Balinese sun, striding across the sandy beaches, or getting lost in the mystical temples, keep in mind that you're a visitor.
Have you experienced or witnessed unruly behaviour from tourists during your travels, and how do you feel about the impact it has on the reputation of a place?
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