Bali authorities have initiated a crackdown on problematic tourists, mostly Australians, who visit the tourist hotspot and beg locals, as well as other tourists, for money to fund their trip.
As the Indonesian immigration department warned, countless tourists have taken to their streets to beg for money to be able to afford traveling.
The so-called ‘begpackers’ are primarily from Australia, Russian, and the UK, and have been spotted holding up signs pleading with people for money or selling junk items on the streets.
“Help us travel around the world,” one begpacker had written on her sign.
“They say beggars are not choosers, but I beg to differ,” another one wrote.
One begging sign read: “Hi! I’m Sergey from cold Russia. I’m travelling across Asia for 4 months, I decided to start a new life and wish (to visit) 1 new country every week.
“Despite couchsurfing, I still need money for transportation and food. You can support me and make me really happy.”
Speaking of the matter, Setyo Budiwardoyo of the immigration claimed embassies should be held responsible for handling problematic tourists.
“We tend to report these cases to the relevant embassies so that they can oversee their citizens who are on holiday,” Mr. Budiwardoyo said according to Detik.
As the official added, the begpackers’ home countries have to address their financial issues as Indonesia is not responsible for them.
According to Mr. Budiwardoyo, his country had previously provided free accommodation and food to aliens in need. However, many have taken advantage of their kindness and began misusing their generosity.
“I’d rather not give food for people who are pretending,” the man added, speaking of fraudulent beggars.
“Foreign citizens who run out of money or are pretending to be beggars, we will send them to their respective embassies.”
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