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Calls grow to “evaluate” Bali tourism after Ukrainian man robbed
A Bali lawmaker has called for a comprehensive review of the island province's tourist industry after a rise in criminal activity perpetrated by foreign nationals, particularly since post-COVID recovery.
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A sailboat is anchored among traditional fishing boats on March 13, 2021, off the coast of Serangan Island, Bali. (AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka)
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alls are growing for the government to "evaluate" Bali's tourist industry after a string of crimes by foreign perpetrators, including the recent kidnapping and robbery of a Ukrainian tourist in the island province, allegedly by a group of foreign visitors.
Siti Mukaromah, a member of House of Representatives Commission VII overseeing creative economy and tourism, said a comprehensive solution was needed to address the increase in reported criminal activities on the resort island.
"The Tourism Ministry needs to thoroughly evaluate Bali's tourism industry," Siti said on Sunday, as quoted by Antara.
"Bali has been seeing a growing number of foreign tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ministry must assess whether local regulations are sufficient to address emerging issues on the island," she added.
Siti's statement comes after reports emerged that a 48-year-old Ukrainian man, identified only by his initials IL, was allegedly kidnapped and robbed on Dec. 15 in Kuta, a tourist hot spot in Badung regency.
IL and his 49-year-old driver were on Jl. Penyu Dipal when a black SUV blocked their car in front, while another blocked the rear.
Nine men in ski masks wearing black vests marked “Polisi” (police) and armed with guns, knives and hammers emerged from the two vehicles, and forced IL and his driver out of their car. The group allegedly assaulted the pair before handcuffing and blindfolding them, and then taking them to a nearby villa where they forced IL to transfer US$214,400 in cryptocurrency to specific accounts.
