Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, has warned tourism operators to respect domestic tourists. His statements come just days after an incident of reported discrimination where a local moped rental provider did not allow a domestic tourist to hire a scooter. The incident went viral on Twitter, though those involved denied that the incident was a case of internalized racism.
![Domestic Tourists Enjoy Nusa Dua Beach In Bali](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Domestic-Tourists-Enjoy-Nusa-Dua-Beach-In-Bali.jpg.webp)
Sandiaga Uno and his delegation visited Nusa Penida over the weekend. He visited the island to congratulate them on the return of mass tourism and to give a stern warning to the province that domestic tourism is not to be snubbed. Speaking to tourism providers via the media, he said, “All tourists must be treated equally, not Caucasians, not domestic, or local, don’t be picky, all pay, all have the same rights.”
Minister Uno was joined on his visit to Nusa Penida by the Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta. The pair visited popular destinations on the island, like Kelingking Beach. During the visits, Minster Uno confirmed that he was aware of the issue regarding the moped hire. He said that this kind of behavior could tarnish the image of the tourism sector and goes against the level of hospitality that Bali and Indonesia, more broadly, are so famous for.
![Kelingking Beach In Nusa Penida. Bali](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kelingking-Beach-In-Nusa-Penida.-Bali.jpg.webp)
Speaking to reporters, Minister Uno said, “Indonesia is famous for being friendly and friendly, don’t let it fade. Outside parties will also judge this, especially Bali, before I just entered the island all were friendly and stay like that.”
He went on to confirm that domestic tourism will always be of benefit to tourism operators across Bali province. He explained that the country is strengthened by over 550 million domestic tourism trips annually, including in 2022. This running total has already surpassed the nationwide target set for this year, much to Minister Uno’s delight.
![Domestic Tourists In Bali Uluwatu Take Photos At Temple](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Domestic-Tourists-In-Bali-Uluwatu-Take-Photos-At-Temple.jpg.webp)
Minister Uno and Regent Suwirta also spoke about the development and infrastructure for tourism in Nusa Penida. Regent Suwirta said, “Infrastructure development, although I have boosted the maximum, but [it’s] still lagging behind, for that we need the intervention of the central government to build an adequate road, water, electricity, and internet network here.” The Regency is hopeful that more funds will be distributed during the 2023 budget and that the tourism levy will continue to contribute positivity to development in the area.
![Tourists-Enjoy-Crystal-Beach-On-Nusa-Penida-Bali](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Tourists-Enjoy-Crystal-Beach-On-Nusa-Penida-Bali.jpg.webp)
According to reports about the moped incident in Bali last week. It was suggested that the moped rental provider chose not to rent his moped to a domestic tourist, not because of discrimination but because he had been stung in the past. The version of events that circulated online suggested that the moped owner, and others like him, had had their moped stolen in incidents of organized crime.
![Moped-Scooters-Parked-In-Bali](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Moped-Scooters-Parked-In-Bali.jpg.webp)
They claim that it is more secure to rent moped out to international tourists since they can take a copy of their passport and driver’s license, which they can report to the police and immigration should anything happen to their bike. The moped owner suggested that there have been cases where Indonesian thieves have posed as domestic tourists, paid a daily rental fee, presented a fake driver’s license or ID card, and driven away with the moped, never to be seen again.
![Moped-For-Rent-For-Touirsts-In-Bali-](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Moped-For-Rent-For-Touirsts-In-Bali-.jpg.webp)
Nusa Penida is now welcoming over 3,000 visitors every day. Most travelers visit for a day, though there are hundreds of different accommodation options on the island. Tourism providers are encouraging both domestic and international travelers to stay a little longer if they can. Once a penal colony, Nusa Penida is now one of the most popular areas for tourism within the province of Bali. The island is famous for its rugged clifftop views and marine biodiversity.
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Jason Sinclair
Thursday 22nd of September 2022
"All tourists must be treated equally" - so I can pay for same rate as domestic at bali zoo right? Like we do in my country...???
Vik
Friday 23rd of September 2022
@Jason Sinclair, 😂🤣🤣 that is a fair question. but remember the locals still think white skin equals rich.
Exp
Friday 23rd of September 2022
The statement was carefully worded. I'm afraid nothing was mentioned in the article about "All tourists shall pay the same amount". The dual pricing system is cast in stone here.
Lutfi
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
Sooo good What bali need
Karen North
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
I am a white woman and my brand new car was stolen from my villa 6 years ago by a Balinese girl, and I am still fighting for justice. I will not give up. She will go to jail. In my journey for justice I met a young Balinese man. His brother bought a car and after 1 month rented it to locals. He never saw it again. He is just now making the final finance payment after 5 years So if anyone doesn't feel right to rent to tourist or local, then that is their call.
Randy
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
Nusa Penida is an island. How is it possible that scooters/mopeds can disappear off the island without anyone noticing it let alone a car. Perhaps having a machine to scan id's may be worthwhile but an expensive tool to have for a small scooter and car rental shops.
Besides that it is true that locals do sometimes discriminate against their own ethnicity in Bali. The lack of education, the lack of exposure to traveling outside Indonesia or Bali for that matter. The lingering colonial mindset that is still carried on from generation to the present. Their gullible expectation that the Westerners (poor, middle class or rich) may still be the masters.
Toward the end of the pandemic, the domestic travelers were the biggest arrivals in Bali. The attitude was more respectful but as soon as the border has reopened the old ways made a return in favor of the foreigners in Bali. Some Western foreign visitors in particular may also have an attitude towards the locals. Therefore both sides of the aisle have some learning to do to avoid any misinformation and any misunderstanding among each other.
Exp
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
Minister stated “All tourists must be treated equally, not Caucasians, not domestic, or local, don’t be picky, all pay, all have the same rights.”
That sounds great but in reality foreigners are not treated equal to locals at all. There is a dual pricing system in place for almost everything here. Example: Hotels and many any attractions have cheaper entrance tickets for locals. To be fair this is not only Bali it is common all over Indonesia.
Randy
Friday 23rd of September 2022
@Exp, try visiting Thailand the same attitude applies for non Thais and foreigners. At least medical bills incurred at any local hospital is the same for both locals and foreigners a like.