Local leaders in Bali’s popular resort of Uluwatu are calling on the provincial government to step in and create new initiatives that help protect tourists and communities involved in tourism.
The Head of Pecatu Village, the region home to Uluwatu, is calling for the development of a tourist insurance scheme to help support those in need.
The Head of Pecatu Village, Made Sumerta, is calling for the local government to develop a tourism insurance policy that provides support and financial payouts for tourists who are injured or harmed during visits, trips, and vacations to the island.
Using the example of the most famous attraction in his jurisdiction, Uluwatu Temple, Sumerta explained, “The local government would give this insurance. What could the mechanism be? Let’s try to calculate and study further.”
Sumerta feels that a government-backed insurance policy for tourists would also add value to tourism attractions since it shows a commitment to the safety and comfort of visitors.
He noted that this kind of policy could be seen as a form of appreciation for tourists visiting these attractions and contributing to regional income.
For tourists who are already paying the IDR 150,000 Bali Tourism Tax Levy, the notion of the development of a tourism insurance policy would be well received, especially since the policy is being investigated on the grounds of suspected mismanagement.
The Bali Tourism Tax Levy was introduced in February 2024, and a year on from the launch of the policy, tourists who have made their contribution have seen very little in return for their IDR 150,000.
The policy was initially launched to generate funds to nurture nature, preserve culture, and level up tourism infrastructure, but so far, the public has not been informed as to how any of the funds have been used.
In fact, due to poor policy enforcement, only 35% of tourists have been paying the fee despite it being mandatory. This, naturally, has resulted in the provincial government having less funds to work with than initially planned.
Sumerta explained to the report that access to the government-backed insurance policy would be included as part of the entry ticket price to attractions but that the insurance would offer support in the event of injury, illness, or harm encountered at any time during a visit to the island.
He shared “When they visit a [tourist attraction] it includes insurance. If it is indeed regulated, I think it is time for the government to think about it.”
Sumerta confirmed that this is an idea he has been presenting to the Badung Regency government for some time and a concept that he hopes the incoming Regent will act on when inaugurated in a few weeks’ time.
He noted “In previous years I had proposed this in a working meeting at the Badung DPRD. Hopefully, the elected tenet can find a regulation that allows it.”
Finding a way to create a super low-cost tourist insurance scheme in Bali, funded in part by the government and in part by tourism attraction entry fees, will be seen by many as a positive move.
However, with the Bali Tourism Tax Levy yet to make any notable impact on tourists, there would no doubt be a backlash if such a policy would lead to an increase in entry fees at Bali’s top attractions.
For now, it remains the case that tourists traveling to Bali must take out fully comprehensive travel and medical insurance before touching down in the province. It is vitally important that tourists read their whole policy document and understand what is and is not covered by their policy.
Travelers should be aware that many travel insurance policies for popular adventure experiences in Bali are often not covered as standard. Many policies require travelers to purchase add-on cover for activities such as hiking volcanos, ATV riding, snorkeling, and diving.
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