The Bali Police are confronting a sharp rise in transnational crime, prompting the appointment of a senior counterterrorism and intelligence specialist as the new deputy chief.
DENPASAR, Bali — The Bali Police have reported a significant escalation in criminal activity involving foreign nationals on the island, with cases rising 47% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The data underscores a growing challenge of transnational crime in one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
According to official figures, last year saw more than 200 foreign nationals implicated as perpetrators of crimes in Bali, while over 300 became victims of criminal acts. The most prevalent offenses include fraud and theft, often conducted through sophisticated new methods.
Evolving Threats in a Tourism Hub
Authorities are grappling with a diversification of criminal schemes. These include sophisticated financial crimes like ATM skimming, complex online fraud, and cryptocurrency scams operated by international networks. The island also remains a key target and transit point for international drug cartels from regions including Russia, Kazakhstan, France, and the Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia.
In response to this complex security landscape, the National Police have appointed a specialist with deep expertise in intelligence and counterterrorism to a key leadership role. Brigadier General I Made Astawa, a native of Tabanan, Bali, has been named the new Deputy Chief of the Bali Police (Wakapolda Bali).
A Specialist for a Complex Challenge
General Astawa’s background is seen as a strategic asset. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Commander of the elite Detachment 88 counterterrorism unit and held a directorial position in counterterrorism at the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). His operational experience is complemented by an intimate understanding of the local context, having previously led criminal investigations in Denpasar and served as Chief of the Badung Police.
His appointment signals a focused approach to mitigating not only traditional crime but also the kind of organized, cross-border networks that increasingly operate in Bali’s globalized environment.
The police have also emphasized a commitment to combating human trafficking (TPPO), particularly schemes smuggling migrant workers to illegal scam centers in Cambodia, and have vowed to investigate any alleged complicity within their own ranks.
The surge in foreign-involved crime and the strategic appointment highlight the evolving nature of security in Bali, where maintaining safety for residents and millions of visitors requires adapting to increasingly internationalized criminal methodologies.
Hey Bali News reports on security and governance issues critical to the island’s community and its global reputation.