More Security Staff Deployed At Bali’s Transportation Hubs To Protect Tourists 

Bali is increasing security measures at transportation hubs and launching command posts ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday period, anticipating a surge in tourist arrivals and challenging weather conditions.

Increased Security at Transport Hubs

Government agencies will be working to maintain smooth traffic flow across the island over the next two weeks. Major transport hubs, including the airport, harbors, and bus stations, will have increased security personnel present. Additional officers will also be patrolling and coordinating traffic throughout Bali.

Sea Transportation Command Post Activated

On Thursday, December 18th, the Benoa Class II Harbormaster and Port Authority opened a Sea Transportation command post to operate through January 5th, 2026, ensuring safe and smooth travel during the holiday season. The command post will focus on Benoa Harbor, Sanur Harbor, and Serangan Harbor.

The Head of the Benoa Class II KSOP, Aprianus Hangki, stated the command post involves collaboration between Basarnas, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), regional government agencies, and port authorities.

Operational Focus: Safety and Coordination

The operation has eight main priorities, including ensuring ship seaworthiness and crew competence, supervising passenger and cargo capacity, and strengthening coordination with the Bali Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, Search and Rescue Teams, the army, police, local governments, and shipping operators. Hangki emphasized, “Safety cannot be compromised. The principle is zero compromise for safety.”

Busy Ports and Weather Concerns

Sanur Port is expected to be particularly busy, serving as a primary gateway for tourists traveling to Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan. Fast boat services are anticipated to sell out due to high demand. Authorities are prepared to address safety concerns related to increased passenger traffic and current extreme weather conditions caused by Cyclone Seed 93S and the rainy season.

Search and Rescue Readiness

The Head of the Bali National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Nyoman Sidakarya, confirmed the deployment of the 40-meter Arjuna SAR Ship, Rigid Inflatable Boats, and Rescue Boat Bodies to Benoa harbor to respond to emergencies involving fishing crews, fast boats, or tourists. Basarnas has deployed 144 personnel in preparation for potential hydrological and geological disasters.

Airport Enhancements for Holiday Travel

At I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab announced collaboration with the Transportation Agency, the airport police, the Indonesian Air Force, and local villages to facilitate smooth traffic flow. New information services are being introduced, with staff actively assisting passengers in check-in, boarding lounges, and arrival areas.

Shahab stated, “During this Christmas and New Year holiday season, we are introducing a new service innovation, where staff will be actively moving around the terminal and providing solutions directly to passengers.”