DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Bali Police Chief Inspector General Pasma Royce has urged the public to remain vigilant and think critically when dealing with increasingly sophisticated online scams. He advised people to verify information before taking action and report suspected fraud to the police.
Pasma delivered the message while serving as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Digital Literacy Seminar, held at the Ksirarnawa Building, Taman Budaya Art Centre, Denpasar, on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The event was organized jointly by the Bali Regional Police and the Bali Provincial Government.
“People must think critically. Do not be easily tempted by prize offers, fraudulent investment schemes, fake links, or other forms of online fraud. Understand the situation first, verify the information, and only then take action. If you have doubts, report it to the nearest police station or call the 110 police hotline,” Pasma said.
He emphasized that cybercrime poses risks comparable to those of conventional crime. Digital literacy, he added, is essential to protecting individuals, families, and communities from cyber threats.
Pasma also reaffirmed the Bali Regional Police’s commitment to educating the public and taking firm legal action against cybercriminals.
“The Bali Regional Police are committed to continuing public education and taking firm law enforcement action against cybercrime perpetrators to create a safe and healthy digital environment for the people of Bali,” he said.
The seminar was officially opened by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, who welcomed the police initiative to improve public awareness of responsible and informed social media use amid the challenges of the digital era.
Koster said Bali, as a world-renowned tourist destination and cultural center, must strengthen efforts to protect its people from the negative impacts of digitalization, including hoaxes, online gambling, and digital fraud, which can threaten social order.
The event was also attended by Commander of the IX/Udayana Military Regional Command Major General Putra Widiastawa, senior Bali police officials, members of the Bali Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), university rectors, students, digital creative communities, traditional leaders, representatives of pecalang (Balinese traditional security officers), and other community representatives.
The seminar featured interactive discussions with participants and concluded with a group photo involving the Bali Police Chief, the Bali Governor, the military commander, and attendees. The event aimed to support the development of a digitally literate and responsible society in Bali.
