Bali Council Pushes to Strengthen Traditional Village Security System Amid Viral Foreigner Misconduct Cases
Bali's Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Commission I has called for stronger enforcement of Sipandu Beradat, a traditional village-based integrated security system, following viral cases involving foreign nationals, including an alleged indecent act in Tibubeneng, Badung. Officials stressed that maintaining public order requires cooperation among police, immigration, traditional villages, and pecalang (customary security personnel), not police alone.
On August 26, 2026, I Nyoman Budiutama, chairman of Commission I at the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Bali), stated that maintaining public order and security should not be the police's responsibility alone. His remarks followed viral social media cases involving foreign nationals, including an alleged indecent act by a foreigner in front of a resident's house in Tibubeneng, Badung.
Budiutama noted that Commission I has previously convened stakeholdersâincluding police and pecalang (traditional village security officers)âto discuss security and order issues. He emphasized that Bali's traditional village-based security system is a key pillar of regional stability, and that Sipandu Beradat, an integrated security system built around customary villages, needs to function effectively on the ground.
Sipandu Beradat integrates pecalang and traditional village security personnel with government agencies and law enforcement. While reports from village councils (MDA) and police indicate the framework has been established in each village, Budiutama said there may be obstacles in its actual implementation that have not yet been identified.
He stressed that Bali must not become a place where foreigners commit crimes they would face consequences for in their home countries, calling for cooperation among police, immigration authorities, local government, traditional villages, pecalang, and the community at large. This is not an announcement of arrests or a new regulation, but a legislative call to strengthen enforcement of an existing community security framework.
Things to Consider
In Bali, community-based pecalang (traditional security officers) play an active role in maintaining local order, so visitors and residents should respect local customs and community rules (awig-awig). Public misconduct can quickly go viral on social media and trigger stronger enforcement from both authorities and local communities, so it's advisable to learn the norms of your neighborhood or accommodation area in advance. If involved in an incident, be aware that pecalang or village officials, not just police, may respondâstay calm and follow their instructions.