Indonesia’s Bali tightens immigration controls amid tourist surge
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Official data showed that 3.89 million foreign tourists visited Bali from January to July 2024.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Follow topic:
JAKARTA – The immigration authorities on Indonesia’s Bali island announced on Aug 2 that they have intensified supervision of foreign nationals, especially tourists, as a proactive measure in response to a surge in tourist arrivals.
The province’s official immigration data showed that from January to July 2024, 3.89 million foreign tourists visited Bali.
The number significantly rose from 2.9 million visits reported during the same period of 2023.
The foreign tourists visiting Bali in 2024 were dominated by nationals of Australia (877,329 people), India (328,767), and China (278,329).
“We have to maintain security, order and comfort for all people, including tourists. That is why tight monitoring is important,” head of the regional office of Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights Pramella Yunidar Pasaribu confirmed over a phone call.
The surveillance measures involved a more thorough inspection of travel documents, including passports, visas, and residence permits. The authorities also strengthened the integrated immigration information system to monitor the foreigners’ movements.
The immigration office has also installed 30 units of autogate or immigration automation facilities at international arrival terminals at the Ngurah Rai International Airport.
In addition, immigration checkpoints have significantly integrated facial recognition technology for enhanced face recognition and management control. XINHUA
