balinews The Bali Police have called on residents to remain alert and actively protect the island from various security threats, including foreigners in the province. The police said that not all foreigners were in Bali to enjoy the island’s beauty; instead, some planned to commit crimes. Sr. Comr. R. Umar Faroq, Bali Police director for vital object security, said that police had set the island’s security as a priority due to its being an international tourist destination that attracted millions of foreigners annually. The priority was also set as Bali often hosted national and international events. Umar said everyone, including those in tourism, should be aware of all criminal possibilities. He said that there would always be foreigners in Bali on tourist visas running businesses illegally, working illegally and committing other violations. “Misusing a tourist visa to run a business or to work violates the law, moreover the business will have no permit,” said Umar. “Some of them are also here dealing illicit drugs, defrauding people, hiding from their country’s law enforcers or laundering money,” he added. Based on police data, Bali is considered safe, ranked 25 among 31 provincial police offices in the country with the highest crime rates. More than 8,400 cases were recorded in Bali in 2013, a decrease from around 8,700 in 2012. From the 2013 cases, 217 foreigners were victims in 185 cases, while 83 were suspects in 78 crimes. Meanwhile, 73 foreigners died in 70 incidents. Umar said that accidents were among the top causes that killed foreigners, including diving accidents. “Therefore, we persistently call on everyone to look into the place’s permit, standard safety procedures and check the weather [before doing outdoor activities].” “Tourists must also obey tour guides and not feel like they know everything,” said Umar, who would like Bali to have a data center, listing things like accommodations on the island for the police to take precise security measures. Be wary of foreigners, say police | The Jakarta Post
