Bali Implements Tourism Police and Boosts Tattoo Industry Amid Visitor Increase

Bali is often seen as an idyllic location, but its laid-back atmosphere is evolving. In February, authorities in Bali created a special tourism police force to address issues with disruptive tourists.

This new team has tackled problems such as drunkenness and even instances of tourists begging for money.

Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, head of Bali's Civil Service Police Unit, mentioned, "We have seen tourists who have run out of funds and have started begging. Occasionally, there are disruptions at local tourist spots, and our mission is to keep the environment friendly for everyone."

The island now has more than 70 officers stationed in popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. These officers also work to ensure visitors dress appropriately at the Hindu temples in Bali, Indonesia’s predominant Hindu area, by encouraging the wearing of traditional sashes. Dharmadi added, "Tourists often unknowingly violate sacred customs due to unawareness."

Although there are ongoing efforts to manage tourism, there are still issues of dissatisfaction. Last May, ex-Governor Wayan Koster suggested capping tourist numbers due to unruly behavior, but this measure was never implemented. Bali continues to face the complexities of being Indonesia's top tourism destination.

The tourism police are now assisted by “tourist companion dogs.” In the past year, Bali has expelled 340 foreigners for various offenses, marking a significant increase from the previous year. These offenses include overstaying visas and disrespecting sacred sites.

Recent incidents have raised further concerns, such as the arrest of tourists from the U.S. and Bermuda following a viral incident in a salon, and the detention of three Mexicans involved in a robbery.

In terms of tourist numbers, 2021 saw a drastic drop to only 51 international visitors compared to 6.3 million in 2019. Last year, the numbers nearly rebounded to 5.3 million, surpassing the 4.5 million target. This year, the goal is seven million tourists, as stated by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, as reported by Bali's tourism chief Tjok Bagus Pemayun.

As tourism in Bali sees a robust recovery, another sector is gaining traction: the tattoo industry. Bali's rich cultural environment and lively artistic scene are drawing both tourists and tattoo enthusiasts eager to immortalize their visits with unique ink.

Bali's tattoo artists are celebrated for their artistry and innovation, skillfully merging traditional Balinese motifs with contemporary tattooing techniques. This has transformed Bali into a center for tattoo tourism, with studios peppered throughout prime areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. These establishments offer a wide array of styles and maintain strict health and safety standards.

The surge in tourism has also led to stricter regulations in the tattoo sector. The local government ensures that tattoo parlors are properly licensed and adhere to health standards to keep Bali a safe tattoo destination. This increased oversight is vital as the rising number of visitors amplifies the responsibilities of local service providers to maintain high standards.

The growing tattoo scene in Bali also mirrors a broader trend in global travel, where visitors seek more meaningful and personalized experiences. A tattoo from Bali is often seen as more than a souvenir; it's a deep connection to the island’s cultural heritage.