Bali’s Governor Koster Issues Strict Warnings To Tourists Visiting Bali

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Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, is in the process of updating policies as he starts his second term in office. As tourism plays such a pivotal role in the island’s economy, naturally the issues the tourism sector is facing right now are coming under scrutiny.

Governor Koster wants to take firm action to help improve the quality of tourism on the island for everyone’s sake. 

Governor Koster has issued an updated statement to explain where he will focus policy updates and changes in the coming months. Governor Koster, along with the Provincial Government, is drafting updated legislation to help crack down on loopholes, grey areas, and poor law enforcement in the tourism sector. 

One of the first areas of focus is tourism and taxi drivers. Governor Koster will introduce new legislation that will require drivers offering commercial services in Bali to use vehicles licensed and registered in the province and have DK (Denpasar) license plates. They also want to make it harder for drivers from outside the province to work in Bali. 

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Governor Koster told the media, “I will firmly and firmly stop various violations of villas without permits, vehicles operating in Bali transporting tourists with plates outside Bali must use Bali Plates or DK, drivers must have Indonesian ID cards with Balinese addresses.” This is just one step the Governor is taking to help protect Balinese businesses and the local workforce. 

He is also on a mission to crack down on the poor behavior exhibited by a small but significant minority of international tourists. Governor Koster explained, “As a regional head, it is my legal obligation to protect the Balinese people.”

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He continued “Likewise, we will discipline naughty tourists on the road who do not wear helmets, only wear t-shirts, violate traffic signs, and fight the police, this is not right, I will immediately deport them If those who violate the law are processed legally so that everything is orderly. I will do it firmly starting next week.”

His statements will be followed up by a circular letter that will formally outline the policy changes in detail. 

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For tourists, the rules have remained much the same, though it is expected that there will be a wave of more strict enforcement and monitoring coming.

This usually includes more traffic stops where officers focus on pulling over foreigners who are driving motorcycles without wearing helmets, or suitable clothing, using their phones, or driving illegally. 

Governor Koster concluded that those found to be violating the law will be “dealt with harshly and firmly.” As part of his second term in office, Governor Koster has set out a clear objective to crack down on crime in the province across the board.

He has also long been a vocal advocate for the preservation and promotion of Balinese culture and cultural values.

In his first few days back in office, Governor Koster visited communities in Denpasar and outlined how he would be giving more power to community security groups to work with police teams and government agencies to tackle rising crime in the capital. 

Governor Koster told reporters, “To maintain order, security, and comfort for the people of Denpasar and various actions that damage Balinese cultural values and violate the law, we, together with the security forces, ensure that we will take strong and firm action.”

Earlier this week, the Bali Provincial Government and the Australian Consulate met to reaffirm the ongoing partnership between the two agencies.

Australian Consulate-General Jo Stevens pledged her support to the Bali Provincial Government, and as Australian tourists remain the most frequent international arrivals in Bali, confirmed that the Australian government would help promote the do’s and don’ts of Bali to holidaymakers.

Stevens said “This is a very clear and useful guide for visitors to this beautiful island. I encourage all Australians to respect Bali’s unique culture and follow the do’s and don’ts for a safe and enjoyable visit.”