The rate of crimes involving foreigners in Bali is rising alarmingly, raising concerns that the popular tourist island could become a "battleground" for transnational criminal organizations.

Bali police recorded 226 cases involving foreigners in 2024, a 16% increase from 194 cases in 2023. In the first six months of this year, 108 cases were recorded.

Local politician Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih believes this situation largely stems from the wave of budget travelers on long-term stays in unauthorized accommodations, which has boomed since the pandemic.

Police cordon off a villa in Bali where Australian tourist Zivan Radmanovic was shot dead and another man was injured on 15/6. Photo: *AFP*

"The quality of tourists coming to Bali is declining," Agung said. The proliferation of illegal homestays has made it easier for those on a tight budget to stay longer.

Currently, over 60,000 visitors arrive in Bali daily, an island with a population of around 4.2 million. Last year, the island welcomed over 6.3 million international visitors, and local authorities aim to surpass 6.5 million this year.

However, locals warn that the pressure from excessive tourism, without proper control measures, creates opportunities for criminal elements.

"We've seen drug labs in rental villas, cryptocurrency scams, real estate fraud, and ATM skimming," said social activist Piter Panjaitan. Easy entry procedures are turning Bali into a haven for criminals.

Panjaitan suggests stricter immigration controls, better police training, and prioritizing tourism quality over quantity.

While most foreigner-related crimes involve violence and fraud, experts fear a growing "underworld" in Bali. Unchecked, this could escalate and become deeply entrenched in society.

Indonesian police escort an Australian suspect on 26/6. Photo: *AP*

"This is the nascent stage of organized crime," criminologist Adrianus Meliala of the University of Indonesia warned in *Kompas*. If not stopped, they could evolve into mafia-like gangs, like in Italy, with their own weapons and forces.

This warning follows the shooting of two Australians at a villa in south Bali on the morning of 14/6. Zivan Radmanovic, 32, was killed, while Sanar Ghanim, 34, was shot in the leg and assaulted. Three suspects were arrested, and the motive is still under investigation.

Last year, Bali police arrested over 1,300 people for drug-related offenses, a nearly 23% increase from the previous year, according to *The Jakarta Post*. Americans topped the arrest list, followed by Australians, Russians, and Britons. Police also seized 21 kg of crystal methamphetamine, over 18,000 ecstasy pills, and nearly 90 kg of cannabis in various raids.

General Marthinus Hukom, Director of the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency, said international drug trafficking rings are becoming increasingly sophisticated in Bali, exploiting blockchain technology and cryptocurrency for transactions.

He warned that without strong measures, drug cartels could turn Bali into a "battleground," referencing the June villa shooting.

Anh Minh (*SCMP*)