Bali Hindu council asks police to strengthen tourism-area cultural understanding

Denpasar — Bali’s Hindu Dharma Council met Bali Police Chief Inspector General Pasma Royce at the council’s provincial office on Thursday, 22 October 2026, to discuss public security, social harmony and violations involving foreign nationals.

Why it matters: Police officers in Bali tourism areas may be expected to improve English and knowledge of local culture, while the police and immigration authorities plan further discussion of foreign-national violations.

The council urged stronger capabilities among police officers assigned to tourism areas, including English-language skills and knowledge of Balinese customs, culture and Hinduism, according to NusaBali.

Council representatives said the skills were needed because some foreign tourists were still considered to have breached local customary and cultural norms. They said encounters could become problematic when local residents confronted visitors over such conduct.

The council therefore proposed that officers serving tourism areas act as intermediaries who understand both legal requirements and local culture. The proposal was part of a broader discussion on cooperation between the police and Hindu community representatives.

Royce said the Bali police would collaborate with immigration authorities on issues involving foreign nationals, including law enforcement and other violations. He described the cooperation as a future agenda item for discussion with immigration officials, according to NusaBali.

BaliNews reported that the meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation to maintain harmony, tolerance and public order. The outlet did not report a new regulation or enforcement deadline arising from the meeting.

Sources

• NusaBali
• BaliNews.id