TABANAN, Bali — Residents in Tabanan, Bali, are growing concerned over mysterious drone flights seen from night until the early morning, with similar activity now reported in Baturiti after earlier sightings in Marga.

Baturiti police chief Kompol I Nyoman Darsana said the drone had been spotted flying between about 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Based on information gathered by police, the drone was seen flying across several areas from northern Marga to Baturiti, including Mekarsari, Apuan, Perean and Luwus villages.

“We have been monitoring it for the past two days together with the Brimob drone team,” Darsana said on Friday (Aug. 7).

Police are investigating the identity of the drone’s operator and the purpose of the flights. Officers are also continuing to monitor information circulating among residents.

As a precaution, Baturiti police have issued an advisory to accommodation operators, including hotels, villas, tourist lodges, guest houses and boarding houses across the district.

The advisory followed intelligence reports concerning social media posts about nighttime drone activity in Bangli village, Baturiti.

“Under the advisory, guests or residents of accommodation facilities are prohibited from flying drones at night,” Darsana said.

An exception has been made for media coverage. However, such drone flights must first be coordinated with the local village head and Baturiti police.

“Officers are still conducting an investigation,” Darsana said.

Earlier Sightings in Marga

Similar nighttime drone sightings were previously reported by residents in several parts of Marga, Tabanan.

The drone was reportedly seen circling residential areas and livestock facilities until around 1 a.m.

The activity has caused concern among residents who keep pigs and fighting roosters on a small scale. Some fear the drone could be connected to livestock theft.

Their concerns stem from reports of livestock theft in several areas of Marga in recent years.

The latest sightings in Baturiti have brought renewed attention to nighttime drone activity in Tabanan, while police continue to investigate who is operating the drone and the purpose of its flights.