Bali Cracks Down on Tourist Misconduct as New Criminal Code Rules Take Effect
Bali authorities are intensifying enforcement against foreign tourist misconduct following recent high-profile arrests, including an Australian man detained over an alleged public sex act and a Swiss tourist jailed for mocking Nyepi. Officials have outlined key rules covering drugs, premarital sex laws, work visa violations, religious site conduct, environmental protection, and driving requirements that visitors must follow.
Bali is intensifying its crackdown on foreign tourist misconduct amid a recent series of incidents and immigration violations. Last week, a 27-year-old Australian man was arrested after CCTV footage of an alleged public sex act in Tibubeneng village, North Kuta, went viral. An unidentified woman, also believed to be a tourist, was reportedly involved.
In a separate case, Swiss national Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was sentenced to one year in prison after posting Instagram videos mocking Nyepi, Bali's sacred Day of Silence, despite warnings from accommodation staff.
These arrests come amid a broader crackdown on foreign nationals, with Bali immigration authorities deporting 342 foreigners in the first six months of 2026, mostly over visa overstays or misuse, though breaches of local customs and public-order rules were also cited.
Indonesia's new criminal code (KUHP), which replaces an 80-year-old Dutch colonial-era framework, took effect on January 2, 2026. While the new code criminalizes premarital sex, Bali's tourism authority and the Indonesian Ministry of Law have confirmed there are no new requirements for accommodations to verify marital status, and holidaying will proceed as usual.
Other key rules include strict drug penalties (one to four years for personal use, up to life imprisonment or death for trafficking), bans on working or creating commercial content on a tourist visa, restrictions on entering religious sites' inner sanctums except for worship, prohibitions on littering and single-use plastics, protections for marine life and wildlife, and requirements for valid driving licenses, helmets, and officially registered rental vehicles.
Things to Consider
Do not work or create commercial/sponsored content while on a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival; obtain a proper work visa if needed. When visiting temples, avoid entering inner sanctums unless actively worshipping, and dress appropriately. If driving, carry a valid international or national driving license, wear a helmet, and use only officially registered rental vehicles. Avoid any involvement with illicit drugs, as even small amounts carry severe penalties. Be mindful of local religious observances like Nyepi when posting on social media, as mocking sacred traditions can lead to prosecution.
Source: Nine.com.au