Crime & Safety
Buleleng Police Bust TikTok Challenge Phone Scam and Drug Cases in Bali
Buleleng Police in Bali announced the arrest of a 25-year-old substitute teacher who scammed victims out of their smartphones using a fake TikTok
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Six Foreigners Detained in Canggu, Bali Over Alleged Overstay
On the night of August 27, 2026, Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration conducted the "Dharma Dewata" operation in Canggu, Badung Regency, Bali, detaining six foreign nationalsβfive suspected of overstaying their visas and one ITAS (limited stay permit) holderβfor further examination. All six were taken to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, where investigations are ongoing.
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Buleleng Substitute Teacher Arrested for Phone Theft Disguised as TikTok Challenge, Funds Used for Online Gambling
Police in Buleleng, Bali arrested a 25-year-old substitute teacher for allegedly stealing smartphones by luring victims into a fake TikTok 'running challenge.' At least six cases were confirmed with total losses of about Rp15 million, and the stolen phones were sold or pawned to fund online gambling. While no tourists have been reported as victims, the scam method occurred in public areas and could affect anyone approached on the street.
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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.
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Australian Man Detained at Ngurah Rai Airport Over Alleged Indecent Act in North Kuta
Following a video showing an alleged indecent act in North Kuta, Badung, that went viral on social media, immigration authorities identified an Australian national (initials BA) and detained him at Ngurah Rai International Airport as he attempted to leave Indonesia on Aug 25. He was handed over to Badung Police for legal processing.
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Bali Health Agency Reports No Confirmed Zika Cases Amid US CDC Travel Notice
Indonesia's Bali Health Agency (Dinkes Bali) has confirmed that, based on routine regional surveillance, no cases of Zika virus have been detected in the province, responding to a Level 2 Travel Health Notice issued by the US CDC over a global rise in cases.
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Badung Police Hunt Two Foreigners Filmed in Indecent Act on Resident's Property
CCTV footage showing a foreign man and woman engaging in an indecent act on a resident's property along Jalan Pantai Berawa in North Kuta, Badung, went viral on social media. Police are working with immigration authorities to identify the pair; the man has been identified as an Australian national.
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Swiss Tourist Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison for Insulting Bali's Sacred Nyepi Day
A court in Bali sentenced a 26-year-old Swiss tourist to one year in prison for violating Nyepi Day rules and posting insulting remarks on social media. He was arrested in March and has been in detention for five months, which will be credited toward his sentence.
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Foreign Man's Public Indecent Act in Canggu, Bali Goes Viral; Police Launch Investigation
CCTV footage showing a foreign man and two women engaging in a public indecent act in front of a resident's garage in Canggu, Bali, has gone viral on social media. Local police have opened an investigation and pledged increased patrols in the area. The identities of those involved remain unknown.
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British Tourist Dies After Alleged Assault by Group of Australians at Kuta Bar
A British tourist, Paul Innes Dougan, died after allegedly being beaten by a group of four Australian men at a bar in Kuta, Bali, in the early hours of August 5. The suspects left Indonesia the day after the incident, and Denpasar police are now coordinating with the Australian consulate as the investigation continues.
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Bali Yoga School 'Michi Yoga' in Ubud Accused of Refund Scam Affecting Around 60 Customers
A yoga school called 'Michi Yoga', based in Ubud, Bali, is facing accusations of canceling overseas training programs and failing to refund tuition fees. Around 60 people, mostly Japanese women, reportedly formed a support group after losing contact with the school's representative.
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Bali Police Step Up Efforts to Protect Foreign Tourists from Scams and Crime
As the number of foreign tourists visiting Bali increases, cases of investment scams, sexual harassment, and even kidnapping or murder targeting foreign nationals have been reported. Bali Police announced they are strengthening early detection, patrols in tourist areas, and coordination with accommodation providers and local communities to prevent such incidents.
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Fake Travel Agent in Labuan Bajo Defrauds Foreign-Owned Tour Company of Rp244 Million
Police in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, have named a 33-year-old suspect (initials SO) as a fraud suspect for allegedly defrauding a Canadian-owned Bali-based tour agency of Rp244.2 million intended for a Komodo National Park tour package for 22 Chinese tourists. The boat SO claimed to have booked was never actually reserved, leaving the tour group stranded upon arrival in Labuan Bajo.
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Customs Foils 10kg Marijuana Smuggling Attempt by Two Indian Nationals at Bali Airport
Customs officials at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar intercepted two Indian nationals attempting to smuggle over 10 kilograms of marijuana concealed in their suitcases. The suspects reportedly told authorities they had come to Bali for a three-day family vacation.
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Belarusian National Questioned by Bali Immigration Over Alleged Removal of Indonesians from WhatsApp Group
A Belarusian national living in Amed, Bali, is being questioned by the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office over allegations he removed Indonesian citizens from a WhatsApp community group. A Regional Representative Council member had called for scrutiny of both the alleged discrimination and the legality of his commercial activities.
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Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport Confirms Bomb Threat Was a Hoax, Operations Normal
Management of Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport confirmed that a bomb threat circulated via electronic message on the night of August 2, 2026, was false. After following standard security procedures, authorities found no credible basis for the threat, and airport operations and services have continued normally and safely.
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