The Woman Tourists Call When Arrested in Bali

Indonesia Niluh Djelantik is the name many international visitors who have trouble with the Bali authorities seek to contact for help.

Niluh Djelantik, 48, was born and raised in Bali and has worked with foreign partners, so she is fluent in foreign languages. As a result, in recent years she has become the international go-to person when she gets into trouble with the authorities, from people arrested for taking nude photos on sacred mountains to people driving motorbikes around. Djelantik is now known as the island's "unofficial peacekeeper".

Niluh Djelantik is a businessman living in Bali. Photo: CNN — Niluh Djelantik is a businessman living in Bali. Photo: *CNN*

Her job is to act as a go-between for misbehaving international visitors and locals who are upset by their behavior. Djelantik does this work voluntarily, without charge, and often acts as a go-between after receiving complaints from locals about tourists. The most common way for them to contact her is through Instagram.

"People come to me for help rather than reporting a customer's behavior to the authorities. They know I will always respond and help mediate the problem," Djelantik describes his work.

In addition to locals, international tourists also come to her for help. "So I listen to both sides and do what I can."

These meetings sometimes involve lawyers, and sometimes involve coffee and a chat with local police and island officials. Whether formal or informal, Djelantik tries to “strike a balance” between expats and residents to maintain peace and minimize trouble. “But it’s not easy,” she says.

Things can get tense. Bali “relies heavily on international tourists.” Many people come to Indonesia and are treated with respect and affection by the locals, but “visitors need to know their place, and respect the people and the culture if they want to call Bali their second home,” Djelantik says. And locals and visitors need to learn to live together peacefully.

"She is probably the most important person in Bali after Governor Wayan Koster because she is known to many foreigners. She is the one who goes to them when they are in trouble," said a 30-year-old German tourist who has never met Djelantik but follows her on Instagram. "Bali is a small place so news spreads very quickly. If a foreigner is in trouble, you will always see Niluh Djelantik," she said.

In recent incidents, Djelantik has mediated with local authorities and a Russian teenager who was caught spray-painting a school wall in January. In March, Russian tourist Yuri Chilikin posted a nude photo of himself on Mount Agung, Bali’s highest and most sacred peak. The incident was considered “serious” and “caused a stir in local public opinion.”

Facing fines and deportation, Chilikin turned to Djelantik. "He was remorseful, cooperative, and sincere, and willing to accept the punishment. So I agreed to help," Djelantik said.

With Djelantik's help, Chilikin wrote a public apology for his actions and attended a prayer ceremony at a temple in Denpasar. Djelantik said his bad behavior not only offended the locals and the government, but also disrespected the gods. That's why Chilikin had to attend a prayer ceremony.

In addition, there are many things that Djelantik refuses to reconcile. One of them is that the guests behave rudely towards the people and show no remorse. Djelantik also expressed political ambitions when he intended to run for senator in Bali next year.

"She is sincere, always tries to help tourists, is a good person to be friends with. One day you might be the next person who needs her help," a German tourist commented about Djelantik.

Anh Minh (According to CNN )

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