The State News Agency Antara quotes the Badung Regency Enforcement Agency (Satpol PP) head, I Gusti Agung Suryanegara, who reports 367 foreign nationals and 44 Indonesian citizens have been fined Rp. 100,000 for failing to follow health protocol.
Suryanegara claimed the fines are having a deterrent effect on scofflaws, with fewer violations occurring of health protocols and public gathering rules. He continued, saying that foreigners dominate those found violating the law, with many foreigners claiming they do not believe COVID-19 exists and masks are only needed for sick people.
During the enforcement period from 11 January until 06 March 2021, enforcement efforts in Badung Regency netted 2,240 violators who were not wearing masks and not following other health protocols. From that total, only 411 were fined a cumulative Rp. 41.1 million. Those not fined received verbal warnings or roadside disciplinary actions, such as a requirement to do push-ups.
Suryanegara said dominant among the foreigners violating health protocols came from Russia, comprised of Russian nationals who now live, work, or have married an Indonesian. Most violations occurred in North Kuta, where 933 violations were detected.
Tougher Measure Planned for Foreigners
In a new gubernatorial regulation (Regulation Number 10 of 2021), foreign nationals who violate health protocols and provincial laws pertaining to COVID-19 can now face an increased fine of Rp. 1 million, with repeat violators subject to deportation from Indonesia.
The enforcement of violations of health protocols by foreigners or international tourists will initially involve elements of the Armed Forces (TNI), the Police, and regional enforcement agencies (Sat Pol PP) and, on a higher level, the Bali Provincial Office of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Kemenkum HAM).
