Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) has launched inspections targeting new arrivals across the island following the end of the 2025 Eid al-Fitr holiday season. The operation zeroes in on Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar—areas known as hotspots for incoming migrants seeking work or opportunity in the post-holiday period.
“We’ve already begun in Badung, with other regencies to follow,” said Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, head of Bali Satpol PP, during an interview in Denpasar on 9 April 2025. “These are the primary destinations for newcomers, based on our monitoring.”
Focus on Boarding Houses and Informal Settlements
Rai Dharmadi said the checks focus on boarding houses and informal housing clusters where migrants often stay, particularly those brought in by relatives or friends without a defined plan.
The inspections involve door-to-door visits where officers verify identity documents and ask new arrivals about their reasons for coming to Bali. According to him, this effort is aimed at anticipating potential social and criminal issues, particularly as the province works to maintain its global reputation as a tourism destination.
Guarantor System for Incoming Residents
“We will identify where they are staying, and if found, we will ask for their guarantor. They usually come at the invitation of relatives or friends, so we will ask the guarantor to coordinate with us if anything happens and so that the person can be easily located,” Dharmadi said.
Prior to the current inspections, Satpol PP had already begun monitoring the influx of people into Bali during the Eid return flow, particularly at Gilimanuk Port. Dharmadi said most of the newcomers in past cases originated from Java.
“If people question why those without a KTP are asked to leave, well, no adult should be without identification. We have reason to suspect they might have problems in their place of origin. We don’t want those problems becoming social or even criminal issues here in Bali,” he said.
Cases Identified During Eid Period
During the 2025 Eid holidays, Satpol PP found at least 20 individuals attempting to enter Bali without identification or a clear purpose. Fewer than 10 were returned to Java, while the rest were allowed to stay after presenting a guarantor.
Despite these efforts, no current law in Indonesia prohibits citizens from moving between provinces. Internal migration is legal, and individuals are not required to obtain permission to live or work in another province.
