Bali, long known as a haven of peace and natural beauty, is facing growing concerns from locals as crime involving foreign visitors increases. A new wave of backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term expats appears to be altering the island’s social balance bringing not only economic opportunity but also a rise in criminal incidents.

According to Bali politician Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, a boom in low-cost homestays is enabling more budget-conscious tourists to stay longer. “The quality of tourists is decreasing,” he said, noting that local infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the influx.

Paul Werner, an Australian expatriate who owns a bar in Kuta, agrees that Bali has changed since the pandemic. “There’s a lot of drinking, a lot of fighting. Crime follows where the tourists go,” he said.

In June, the island was shaken by the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old Australian man in his villa in Munggu. Three Australians have been charged with murder in what police believe was a premeditated attack. The incident shocked residents, as shootings are virtually unheard of on the island.

Despite Indonesia’s low crime rate 0.4 homicides per 100,000 people and only three firearm-related crimes in Bali in 2023 Balinese police have reported a 16% increase in foreign nationals involved in criminal activities over the past year. These include cybercrime, drug offenses, violent attacks, and property fraud.

Social justice advocate Piter Panjaitan links the rise in crime to Bali’s post-pandemic tourism policies and insufficient enforcement. “We’ve seen meth labs, crypto scams, villa thefts, and ATM fraud, often involving foreign groups,” he said.

Criminology professor Adrianus Meliala from the University of Indonesia warns that Bali may become a magnet for organized crime. “It’s close, cheap, and attractive to groups who bring conflicts from abroad,” he said. “Organized crime today is not just about smuggling or terrorism it’s economic, and Bali offers opportunity.”

Meanwhile, the island’s popularity continues to soar. Nearly 500,000 international tourists visit each month, and the provincial government hopes to reach 6.5 million visitors by the end of the year. But the growth comes with challenges. In Munggu alone, 400 new villas were built in a single year many on former farmland and often owned by foreigners.

Village chief I Ketut Darta voiced concerns about the long-term impact. “We patrol the area 24 hours a day. This is our home, and we want to keep it safe,” he said.

As Bali navigates rapid transformation, locals are calling for stronger regulations, improved law enforcement, and a shift toward “quality tourism” that respects the island’s culture and safety.