DENPASAR, BALINEWS – The Denpasar City National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has warned foreign tourists against bringing cannabis or other illegal narcotics to Bali, stressing that differences in drug laws in their home countries do not exempt them from complying with Indonesian law.
Head of Denpasar City BNN, Police Commissioner Leo Dedy Defretes, S.I.K., S.H., M.H., emphasized that Indonesia enforces strict regulations against narcotics abuse and illicit drug trafficking under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.
Leo delivered the warning during an interview on the sidelines of an operation targeting a suspected illicit drug trafficking network in South Denpasar, which took place from Tuesday night, October 20, to the early hours of Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
According to Leo, the warning is particularly important for foreign visitors from countries with different approaches to drug regulation. Tourists are urged to familiarize themselves with Indonesian law before entering the country, including when visiting Bali, one of Indonesia’s leading international tourism destinations.
“Bali is part of Indonesia, where the law strictly prohibits the illicit use and trafficking of narcotics,” Leo said.
He explained that narcotics-related prohibitions extend beyond illegal consumption to various forms of illicit trafficking, including selling drugs, acting as an intermediary in drug transactions, manufacturing, importing, and exporting narcotics unlawfully.
Leo specifically highlighted cannabis, which is classified as a Category I narcotic plant under Indonesian law. He cautioned tourists against assuming that substances permitted or regulated differently in other countries can legally be brought into Indonesia.
“Learn the regulations and understand the different classifications of narcotics before coming here. Some countries may permit certain substances, but in Indonesia, their illicit circulation and use are strictly prohibited,” he said.
Leo also warned that narcotics-related offenses can carry severe criminal penalties. Depending on the nature of the offense and the applicable legal provisions, penalties may include up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.
He therefore urged foreign visitors to check their luggage carefully and ensure they are not carrying prohibited narcotics. Tourists were also advised to avoid any involvement in drug abuse or illicit trafficking while staying in Bali.
The Denpasar City BNN stressed that preventing drug abuse is a shared responsibility, including raising legal awareness among international visitors. The agency hopes that public education will help prevent violations and contribute to maintaining Bali’s safety and reputation as a tourism destination.
Leo called on all tourists to respect Indonesian law and refrain from relying on the legal practices or assumptions of their home countries to justify conduct prohibited in Indonesia.
