It is believed that this policy will not burden foreign tourists, but rather support them to be able to provide better tourism services.
Foreign tourists who want to go to Bali will be subject to a tax levy of Rp150 thousand (US$10). The imposition of tax levies for foreign tourists to Bali has been regulated in Bali Province Regional Regulation number 6 of 2023 concerning Levies for Foreign Tourists for the Protection of Bali's Culture and Natural Environment.
Deputy for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Ni Made Ayu Marthini, in the socialisation of the Bali Provincial Regional Regulation policy for Foreign Tourists" which took place in Denpasar, Bali, said the socialisation was carried out so that prospective tourists including the tourism industry in market countries could fully understand the intent and purpose of the tax levy. The socialisation plan will also be carried out in market countries such as Australia, Japan, London, and others.
Made emphasised, in accordance with the direction of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, socialisation must be done well in the frame of a positive narrative so that the intent and purpose of this regional regulation can be accepted and become one of the foundations for continuing to improve tourism in Bali. Especially, towards quality Balinese tourism that is culturally based, dignified, and sustainable for the benefit and welfare of the community.
It is believed that this policy will not burden foreign tourists. Instead, it supports in providing better tourism services. "We support the levy for foreign tourists and we don't want this to become an issue (debate). Therefore, we want to socialise this policy well because the goal is clear so that Bali tourism can continue to be sustainable, cultured, dignified," Made said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office Tjok Bagus Pemayun on the same occasion revealed that the policy is planned to take effect in February 2024. For the initial stage, this tourist tax levy will be focused on two programmes, namely handling and managing waste and programmes in maintaining Balinese cultural customs.
"This programme will be run throughout Bali, (it) sees Bali as a whole," Pemayun said.
Now, the Bali Provincial Government has conducted socialisation to various parties including foreign embassies and airlines. Previously, his party had also simulated the tax collection process for foreign tourists when they arrived in Bali. Overall the estimated time per tourist is only about 23 seconds.
"And (the simulation) is done during peak hours, meaning it will not cause queues," Pemayun said.
In addition to the location of the foreign arrival terminal, later the Bali Provincial Government together with related parties will also place a special counter at the domestic arrival terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. This is to accommodate foreign tourists entering from a number of regions in Indonesia. "Including at the entrance to the sea route," said Pemayun. (indonesia.go.id)
Author: Eri Sutrisno
Editor: Ratna Nuraini/Elvira Inda Sari