Bali Governor Wayan Koster is issuing an ultimatum to online accommodation booking services. He met with Airbnb's management and demanded the removal of illegal villas from the app. Bali authorities no longer want illegal properties advertised on popular rental sites.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is launching a comprehensive audit nationwide. The agency has required Booking, Airbnb, and other platforms to verify the documents of every property. By March 31, 2026, all villas and hotels must confirm their licenses.
Property owners need to have a valid business license and register with the state system OSS (Online Single Submission). They also need to confirm their NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) business number. If the license is not confirmed by the deadline, the property will simply disappear from the search.
Honest players will receive a special digital status 'Registered and Licensed'. This mark will appear directly in the app next to the property's name. For guests, it will be official confirmation of the property's safety and legitimacy.
Koster describes the current situation on the island as extremely unfair. The government and residents spend huge amounts on Bali's cleanliness and culture. Meanwhile, owners of 'gray' villas are simply pocketing clean profits. They do nothing for the development of the island, according to the governor.
He also asks Airbnb to help collect fees from foreign tourists. Koster suggests the platform become part of the overall tourist flow control system, but integration details have not yet been disclosed.
Southeast Asia Airbnb representative Shanta Arul responded to the authorities' request. She confirmed that Airbnb is ready to comply with local rules and urge partners to pay taxes. Arul said the company will explain these requirements to those who use the platform.
If you need a professional business audit or competent support when opening a company, contact Legal Indonesia. We offer comprehensive services for opening companies with foreign capital and conducting business in Indonesia, including in real estate.
Sources: Antara, Info Denpasar.
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