Indonesia moves to handle misbehaving foreign tourists on Bali. (Photo source: Tempo)

Jakarta – Authorities in Indonesia have decided to form a task force specialising in the settlement of foreign tourists committing violations on Bali amid rising reports of such cases on the famous resort island.

Sandiaga Uno, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister of Indonesia, has said that the central government in coordination with the Bali provincial administration decided to form a new task force to address various violations committed by foreigners on the island.

They will be firm if there are violations against the law but still maintain hospitality for tourists coming to Indonesia, especially Bali, he told a press briefing on March 20, adding that the new task force incorporates elements from various institutions, including Bali Police, Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), and pecalang (Balinese traditional security officers).

Addressing the press briefing, Bali Vice Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati said that the task force will prioritise three main problems, namely tourists behaving inappropriately on the roads of Bali, including riding motorbikes without helmets and wearing inappropriate clothing; illegal businesses; and problems related to stay permits.

He acknowledged that it will be impossible for the force to immediately cover all the island, so three main regions are prioritised for the time being: Nusa Penida, Ubud, and Sanur.