The Indonesian government is working on new legislation aimed at addressing the record number of tourists in Bali. The country's leadership is divided into two camps: one supports stricter regulations, while the other pushes for further growth in foreign visitors.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, expressed his concern about the overwhelming number of foreigners arriving in Bali, which is increasingly having a negative impact on the local people and their culture.
“There are currently more than two hundred thousand foreigners living in Bali. Naturally, this creates certain issues. We want to preserve our culture, because without its values, Bali will no longer be the paradise island that attracts everyone so much.”
He echoed the concerns of many locals that the influx of foreigners and foreign investments is beginning to degrade the overall quality of tourism on the island.
“We will take measures to maintain the atmosphere. We must respect the local culture. I think we have no right to turn this place into a chaotic island. This is Bali, with its beautiful culture, and we must protect it.”
The minister added, "I hope that next week we will hold a meeting in Jakarta to finalize the new regulations." Pandjaitan did not provide details on the specific laws to be enacted.
The government's main focus remains the same: ensuring foreigners show respect for the local culture and way of life. The minister specifically called for stricter laws on parties, both private and in nightclubs.
“We also don’t want villas to become party venues, or nearly naked people dancing in clubs. We won’t let them do that. Enough of your parties.”
What this means for party-goers and club owners remains unclear. However, it is evident that the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment is calling for tighter restrictions, highlighting the many issues Bali’s tourism sector is facing.
Meanwhile, another high-ranking official, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, Sandiaga Uno, is encouraging a focus on the positive aspects. Speaking at an international conference on tourism quality in Sanur, Uno shared that the average spending and length of stay of tourists in Bali is increasing. According to him, visitors now spend an average of USD 1,500 during their stay, which is approximately 50% higher than the pre-COVID-19 period.
At the same time, Sandiaga Uno acknowledged the importance of preserving Bali's spirit. “In the past, we focused on the three S’s: sun, sea, and sand. Now, the three S’s stand for silence, spirituality, and sustainability. All of this is part of a broader program to promote culturally respectful and sustainable tourism across all destinations in Bali.”
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