Huge number of foreigners kicked out of Bali, including Aussies

Bali launched an intense crackdown on foreigners this year with new figures now revealing just how many Aussies were sent packing.

A dozen Australians were among more than 200 foreigners kicked out of Bali this year.

Officials confirmed this week that there had been 213 people deported since January from 45 countries as the popular holiday island cracks down on visa violations and unruly tourists.

Anggiat Napitupulu, the head of the Bali office of Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights, made specific mention of five countries, including Australia, when talking to reporters.

He said the deportations included 59 foreigners from Russia, 14 from the United States, 13 from the UK, 12 from Australia, and nine from Nigeria.

Local news outlet The Bali Sun reported that the 213 deportations in eight months was a “huge rise” on the 188 deportations for the entire year last year.

Mr Napitupulu drew particular attention to foreigners breaking their visa conditions by doing illegal business or working in Bali, warning immigration rules must be taken seriously.

There have been 213 foreigners deported from Bali this year already, compared with 188 for the entire 2022. Picture: Agunng Parameswara/Getty Images

The latest bold move from Bali officials in the crackdown on foreigners has been establishing a hotline for anyone to dob in misbehaving tourists.

It follows the establishment of a special task force to monitor foreigners’ activities (Bali Becik), introducing a tourist tax, and releasing a tourist dos and don’ts list.

On the list, under the don’ts, there is a warning that reads: “all offences subject to law or deportation”.

The list included not trespassing on sacred places, climbing sacred trees, taking indecent or nude photos at sacred places, littering, using non-recyclable plastics, misbehaving in public, working or doing business illegally, and trading illegal goods.

Luiza Kosykh was one of 59 Russians deported this year. She took a nude photo in front of a sacred tree. Picture: Instagram

Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, general manager of Indonesian operations at Melbourne-born company Intrepid Travel, told news.com.au earlier this month it was extremely important for Aussie travellers to be aware of local laws.

“Now that anyone can report travellers on the hotline, there are several things travellers need to be mindful of to avoid potential issues,” he said.

Mr Singh Shekhawat’s Bali travel tips included complying with all the rules and regulations of the destination like visa requirements, having all the necessary travel documents in good condition to avoid unwanted attention, understanding and respecting the local customs, traditions, and culture, and avoiding confrontations or disputes with locals.

Mr Singh Shekhawat, who lives in Bali, said regular travellers appeared to be “a bit nervous” about the new task force, but he assures people that responsible tourists who follow the local laws and respect the local culture, people, and traditions shouldn’t be worried.

Indonesia is the second most popular overseas destination for Australian travellers.

Tourists can now be dobbed in to Bali authorities via a hotline. Picture: Sonny Tumbelaka / AFP

Australian government data obtained by news.com.au shows the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade managed 401 consular cases in Bali in the 2022-23 financial year.

In almost 7 per cent (28) of cases someone was arrested.

About 27 per cent (107) of cases involved a death and 28 per cent of Australians needing help (114) had an illness or were hospitalised.

Of all the Australian cases about two thirds were male.

Before the pandemic in the 2018-19 financial year, there were 456 consular cases.

More than two thirds of those were also male.

About 31 per cent (140) of cases were in regards to “welfare or another serious matter”, about 29 per cent (133) of cases involved an illness or hospitalisation, and 16 per cent (74) of cases involved a death.

The Australian government encourages travellers to visit its Smartraveller website to get information about security, practical tips on health, visas and local laws.

It provided news.com.au with the following specific travelling tips for Bali.

Smartraveller tips for Aussies travelling to Bali

• Make sure you have the correct visa, and your passport is in good condition.

• Purchase appropriate travel insurance and read the fine print to make sure it covers everything you plan to do.

While you’re in Bali remember:

• As visitors it’s important to respect the local laws and culture. This includes avoiding drunk and indecent behaviour and keeping swimwear for the beach.

• Only ride a scooter if you have a licence, have checked that your insurance covers you, and always wear a helmet.