This news can definitely be called sensational! Indonesia, where any form of gambling is met with serious punishment, including significant prison terms, is considering building the country's first casino in Bali. At least, local officials are already talking about it.
The Chairman of BPC HIPMI, Putu Bayu Mandayana, suggested that a special casino zone could be established in Buleleng Regency in northern Bali. He believes this could help stimulate tourism and economic development in one of Bali's least visited regions today.
BPC HIPMI is the Association of Islamic Students, and Mandayana, as the chairman, wields significant influence both within Islamic communities in Bali and in youth movements. Mandayana is an entrepreneur from Buleleng and wants the region, often considered the poorest district in Bali, to prosper in the future.
Mandayana said, "In my opinion, the progress of our region cannot be separated from the economic movements within it. I think that to globally increase local budget revenue, we cannot rely solely on the local sector; Buleleng must be able to attract external sources of money to bring in wealthy tourists."
He added, "We should not view the casino solely as a gambling venue; we need to turn it into a whole tourist destination. If this happens in Buleleng, it will be the only strong and unique selling point here. And I think that the people who come in the future will be more than financially capable and generous."
Despite his enthusiasm for this idea, Mandayana did not describe how a casino could actually be built. Since both casinos and gambling are currently banned in all provinces of Indonesia, significant changes in both legislation and public opinion would be required for such a project to come to fruition.
According to Article 303 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, almost all forms of gambling, including online gambling, are prohibited.
However, gambling and casinos are legal in neighboring Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Their experiences might become the driving force to change the traditional intolerance towards gambling.
Adjus Linggih, the chairman of the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Indonesia, believes that opening a casino is one way to quickly increase tax revenue for Bali's budget. According to him, the gambling industry in Singapore reached a revenue of USD 5.25 billion in 2023, equivalent to more than IDR 63 trillion. With a tax rate of 18–22%, this means Bali could potentially receive tax revenue of IDR 11–13 trillion with the same income.
Adjus Linggih is confident that Bali, with a casino, could triple its tax revenue.
"I think that with this potential, Bali's urgent problems could be addressed, especially waste management, infrastructure development, and the preservation of traditions. Additionally, the taxes from a casino in Bali could be used to improve education and healthcare for the Balinese people."
"Certainly, there are pros and cons. But if the benefits outweigh the harms, why not?" Adjused Linggih concluded.
Gambling can indeed be seen in Bali. Take, for example, cockfighting. Formally, it is not permitted, but local men in villages regularly organize them, primarily for the betting, of course. Gambling activities are allowed during traditional holidays or cultural festivals. Indonesia also conducts a state lottery called "Togel," though it is strictly regulated by the government.
This bold proposal also has its fierce opponents. Elected Indonesian senator Niluh Djelantik believes that building a casino will destroy Bali. According to her, although the casino is planned as a tourist attraction intended for foreigners, there are no guarantees that it won't harm the Balinese people. She explained that foreigners come to Bali because they are attracted by the island's culture and natural beauty.
"Foreigners actually long for a Bali without traffic jams and crime. We read a lot on social media about how visitors from other countries miss the old Bali, without the dominance of beach clubs and shopping malls as it is today," Niluh stated.
Tourism officials have put an end to these discussions. First, the head of the Bali Tourism Office, Cokorda Bagus Pemayun, promised that there would never be any gambling establishments on the Island of the Gods under his watch: "This initiative, by definition, has no prospects. It is impossible under any circumstances, as our country has a law that prohibits gambling. No one plans to repeal it."
The idea of young Indonesian entrepreneurs was also criticized by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, Sandiaga Uno. He also promised to adhere to the country's existing laws.
So, for now, one of the real plans for tourism development in North and West Bali is to logistically connect the region with East Java, so that tourists who travel to Ijen pay more attention to, for example, Bali Barat National Park.
The Buleleng Regency Tourism Department has already confirmed that a new cooperation project will be implemented with the Banyuwangi Tourism Department in East Java. The first step will be to modernize the speedboats between Gilimanuk and Lovina in Bali and Banyuwangi in East Java. These routes are expected to be offered to tourists as a combined package in the future.
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