Management of fees for foreign tourists in Bali must be transparent

A levy of IDR 150,000 for foreign tourists in Bali will be implemented starting February 2024. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy supports and will socialize this levy appropriately.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Pengelolaan Pungutan bagi Wisatawan Asing di Bali Harus Transparan

KOMPAS/COKORDA YUDISTIRA

The Bali Provincial Government is set to implement a levy for foreign tourists starting February 2024. This was discussed in a discussion on "Socialization of Bali's Regional Regulations for Foreign Tourists" held in Denpasar on Monday (25/9/2023).

DENPASAR, KOMPAS - A fee of Rp 150,000 per person for foreign tourists visiting Bali is supported by Bali's tourism stakeholders. According to the plan, the regulation will be implemented starting from February 2024. The management must be transparent and accountable.

It was revealed during a discussion on "Socialization of Bali Local Policies for Foreign Tourists" in Denpasar on Monday (25/9/2023). The discussion was held by Bali Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Deputy of Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ni Made Ayu Martini, stated that the imposition of fees for foreign tourists visiting Bali is important to be well understood. "The fee is intended to promote sustainable and high-quality tourism in Bali," said Martini.

Also read: Kemenparekraf Supports Levy for Foreign Tourists in Bali

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Foreign tourists pass in front of a money exchange place on Kuta Beach Road, Badung, Bali, on Thursday (11/10/2022).

Head of Bali Tourism Department, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, explained that the policy is mandated by the Law Number 15 of 2023 regarding Bali Province. This regulation is followed up by the Regional Regulation of Bali Province Number 6 of 2023 concerning the Levy for Foreign Tourists for Cultural and Environmental Protection in Bali.

"The implementation guidelines for collecting fees from foreign tourists have been arranged through Bali Governor Regulation No. 36 of 2023 regarding Procedures for Payment of Fees for Foreign Tourists," he said.

Tjok Bagus also conveyed that the levy for foreign tourists is aimed at protecting the customs, traditions, arts, and culture, as well as the local wisdom of the Balinese community. The levy also serves as an honor and preservation of Bali's culture and natural environment which are the main attractions for tourists.

"This fee is paid only once during the tourist's stay in Bali," said Tjok Bagus.

Also read: Enjoying the Natural Charm of Banyuwangi's "Segara Gunung"

Payment of levies is required to be non-cash (cashless) via electronic payment. The government has appointed Bank BRI to serve the payment process.

Foreign tourists can also pay the fee of Rp 150,000 per person by accessing the Love system or directly at BRI counters at airports or seaports.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

A tourist collided while participating in a surfing course in Kuta Beach, Bali, on Friday (11/11/2022).

The Chairman of the Regional Leadership Council of the Indonesian Tourist Guide Association in Bali, I Nyoman Nuarta, appreciates the levy. However, he reminds that its management must be transparent and accountable.

"The collection (result) is not intended to be divided (distributed). However, it is managed to become a program that is truly designed for the glorification and preservation of culture and the natural environment," said Nuarta.

The Head of Tourism Department of Klungkung Regency, Ni Made Sulistiawati, also agrees with the imposition of levies. According to Sulistiawati, Klungkung Regency has implemented a policy of levying fees in Nusa Penida.