Where Won't You be Allowed Without Paying the Tourist Tax?

For the past 6 weeks (since February 14, 2024), a tourist tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs per person has been in effect in Bali. Everyone (except KITAS holders) must pay it before leaving the island. Yes, you can do it in advance through the Love Bali website or app, upon arrival at the airport, or before departure.

However, there is currently no system in place to fully monitor compliance with this obligation. Vouchers received by tourists after paying the tax are not checked either during flight check-in or when crossing the border into Bali.

This has led to only 40 percent of incoming travelers actually paying the tourist tax. This was revealed by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno. Up to 15,000 people arrive in Bali every day, but no more than 5,000 comply with this condition.

The island authorities have decided not to wait to see if tourists will pay the fee before departure and have strengthened control. Now, the police have started checking vouchers at popular tourist attractions.

By the way, initially, such checks were planned to be introduced only in May, three months after the implementation of the new tax. But the process was accelerated. However, there is no talk of fines yet. But if you cannot provide evidence that the tax has been paid, you will be asked to do so on the spot, and only then will you be allowed to continue your tour.

First of all, patrols will be deployed to popular temple complexes such as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan, and the Tampaksiring Palace. Bali authorities are confident that 80 percent of tourists pass through these places. Monitoring has already begun and will be conducted twice a month.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno reminded that the tourist tax should contribute to solving the waste problem in Bali. A significant portion of the funds received are planned to be allocated to environmental issues - increasing the number of garbage bins, opening reuse and recycling points.

The island's budget from this tax should indeed be significantly replenished. In 2024 alone, Bali plans to welcome around 7 million foreign tourists. This amounts to an additional $70 million per year. Considering that the number of travelers choosing this destination continues to grow, revenues to the treasury will also increase.

The head of the Bali Tourism Department, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, also believes that tourists need to be more actively informed about the need to pay the tax. Moreover, he drew attention to the lack of control over travelers on domestic flights. Many arrive in Bali via Jakarta and depart the same way. Such passengers do not have the opportunity to make payment at the airport. Accordingly, this issue is also planned to be resolved soon. The first special payment counter will be opened in the domestic flight terminal by the beginning of next month.

Leading tourism specialist in Legian, Wayan Puspa Negara, in turn, suggested that airlines take on some responsibility for checking whether tourists have paid the tax. For example, flight attendants could do this. In general, according to him, everyone interested in tourism development should be involved in this work.

"Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions - all of these could be the final points where foreign tourists are checked to see if they have paid or not," he explained.

Wayan Puspa Negara also believes that not all tourists find it convenient to pay this fee online, so more payment counters should be opened at Bali Airport.

But for now, it's limited to selective checks. A new division of tourist police is responsible for them. These are employees in ranger uniforms who work primarily to inform tourists about the rules of conduct on the island, local culture, and to prevent unpleasant scenarios.

Sources: Detik Bali, Tribun-Bali, Antara news.