Bali Police Partner with 25,000 Pecalang to Strengthen Island Security

The Bali Regional Police are strengthening security and maintaining stability on the Island of the Gods. In addition to tightening supervision of foreign nationals, the police are enhancing synergy with pecalang as the guardians of Balinese local wisdom. This commitment was affirmed during a joint assembly with pecalang held ahead of the 80th Police Day on Tuesday (23/6/2026). During the assembly, the pecalang declared their commitment to continue synergising to maintain the security and peace of Bali. ‘We, the Pecalang of Bali, will unite and collaborate with all elements of society to safeguard peace on every inch of Balinese soil. We are committed to playing an active role in creating a prosperous and just social environment and to helping realise quality, ethical, and sustainable tourism on the Island of Bali,’ read the pledge delivered at the assembly. Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya expressed his appreciation to all parties who supported the event. He noted that in the modern era, the task of maintaining security is no longer solely the responsibility of the police but requires the active participation of all community components. ‘Thank you to all elements of society who have supported and participated in this assembly. The task of maintaining public order and security is a shared responsibility. The community is a strategic partner of the Indonesian National Police in maintaining security and order,’ said Daniel. He stressed that pecalang are a legacy of Balinese local wisdom with strong customary legitimacy because they are born, grow, and take root within the community. With their early detection capabilities, persuasive approach, and culturally based problem-solving, pecalang are an important part of Bali’s security system. Currently, the number of pecalang in Bali is estimated at around 25,000 people, including female pecalang who also play an active role in maintaining security in customary neighbourhoods. ‘This is a special force that must be continuously nurtured and improved in quality. When the police, the military, pecalang, and all elements of society unite in one commitment, public order and security stability will be maintained, potential conflicts can be prevented, and Bali will continue to stand strong as a safe and peaceful region,’ he asserted. Daniel also reminded that current security dynamics are still influenced by various global and national factors, ranging from technological developments and economic conditions to the emergence of various social issues that have the potential to trigger polarisation within society. He stated that various past demonstrations should serve as lessons for everyone so that security stability is maintained through good communication, early detection, and appropriate preventive measures. Daniel affirmed that the freedom to express opinions is a constitutional right of every citizen, but its exercise must remain within the legal framework and prioritise order and the public interest. ‘I believe the people of Bali are intelligent, socially mature, and wise in responding to the rapid flow of information and various potential provocations that could divide unity,’ he said. Daniel explained that the joint assembly with pecalang was a pre-emptive measure taken by the Bali Police to enhance the readiness of all security elements, especially pecalang as strategic partners of the police. Through this synergy, every social dynamic is expected to be managed properly without causing disturbances to public order and security. This activity also serves as an implementation of the 80th Police Day theme, ‘Police for the Community’, which affirms the police’s presence alongside the community in maintaining security. ‘Bali is not only a home for the Balinese people but also the face of Indonesia to the world. Therefore, keeping Bali safe, peaceful, and conducive is our shared responsibility,’ said Daniel. He urged the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information, to strengthen synergy between the military, police, pecalang, and all community components, and to prioritise preventive measures, early detection, and humane problem-solving. He also reminded the public to immediately report any security disturbances through the nearest police station or the 110 emergency service, which operates 24 hours a day and is toll-free. ‘The Bali Regional Police and all its ranks are committed to continuously maintaining and improving synergy with all public security partners to realise a safe, peaceful, and conducive Bali,’ he concluded.