As Bali moves closer to introducing the new tourism tax for all international arrivals, Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies has given his nod of approval for the new legislation.
The new tourism tax will come into effect in early 2024.
Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, told reporters in Jakarta that the tourism tax will be successful if information and awareness of the new legislation are well-socialized with international tourists.
He explained that awareness and communication about the new tourism tax in Bali is important “so that these aims and objectives can be accepted and become one of the foundations for continuing to increase tourism in Bali.”
The tourism tax is set to be introduced as a provincial legislation, which means that it will apply to tourists who enter Bali province by airport or seaport. It will not be applicable for other popular destinations like Lombok, Jakarta, Lake Toba and Labuan Bajo.
Minister Uno confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economies will ‘maintain the narrative that tourism in Bali is moving towards quality, culture-based, dignified and sustainable tourism’.
Bali Governor Koster confirmed that the new legislation has been submitted for approval. Law Number 15 of 2023 concerning the Province of Bali mandates that the Bali Provincial Government of Bali may implement a levy policy on foreign tourists.
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The tourism tax is set to be introduced at IDR 150,000 per person per entry to Bali, including for children.
Governor Koster has assured the public and his fellow politicians that revenue generated by the tourism tax will be used to support the preservation and promotion of Balinese customs, traditions, arts, culture, and local wisdom and to help ‘maintain Bali’s spiritual aura’.
He has also suggested that funds be used to help protect the island’s natural environment and help create campaigns that will promote and support the development of more sustainable and culture-based tourism programs across the island.
Governor Koster has also confirmed the revenue from the tourism tax will also be spent on improving disaster services, such as early warning systems along the southern coast, and building better public transportation facilities.
In preparation for the tourism tax to be introduced in the coming month, Governor Koster and his provincial government have signed an agreement with the BRI Bank Regional Office in Denpasar to establish a dedicated online payment system for the fee.
The BRI signed a joint agreement that will see the bank’s tech teams design a new online payment system for browsers and apps that will make it easy and efficient for tourists to make their IDR 150,000 payment.
The Regional CEO of BRI Denpasar, Ricky Plangiten, was at the signing along with Governor Koster and the Head of the Bali Tourism Board, Tjok Bagus Pemayun.
Plangiten explained, “We are preparing an online banking system that is integrated with Love Bali and ensures that implementation in the field runs smoothly.”
Tourists will be able to make their tourism tax payment upon arrival at Bali Airport via a dedicated desk or in advance using the Love Bali website or app.
The Love Bali website is an existing platform managed by the Bali Tourism Board and Provincial Government where tourists can make voluntary donations towards the upkeep of the island.
Speaking earlier in the year, officials from the tourism board noted that they wanted to generate USD 2 million in donations in 2023.
For those who have paid their fee before arrival, a new automated gate-checking system will be put in place. Tourists will be sent a payment confirmation that they will be able to scan at the automatic gates to be let into the country.
The tourism tax is a localized tourism tax, and the eVisa on Arrival is a service offered and managed by the Ministry of Immigration and the central government.
It is clear that (at least in the beginning) tourists will be expected to process two separate payments on two serrated websites if they want to have all their paperwork ready before they arrive in Bali — something that Bali lovers will have to adjust to as the New Era of Bali gets underway.
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Jannette
Saturday 9th of September 2023
Every single Rp should be put towards upgrading infrastructure. Getting the electricity up to par taking the ugly wires out. Getting the drainage and sewage up and fixing water. Get the roads and traffic under control . In other words heading towards a self supporting sustainable bali. Never mind fancy stuff get the basics done as a priority and people will come and not be so critical at the sad state bali
Mr Bear Snr
Saturday 9th of September 2023
So you jump on your motorbike and catch the ferry at Padang Bai to sight see around lombok, or hop on a plane to Yogyakarta or Flores etc and then have to pay again when you re-enter Bali. Checkpoint for this, checkpoint for that. Reminds me of the former USSR. Every dollar you take from people at the border is ONE dollar less spent in the local economy. $150+ AUD online for a 60 day visa, $50+ for 30 days and now $15+ tourists taxi. Oh, and don't forget the Departure Tax already included in your airfare, was $40, heaven knows how much it is now.
Exp
Friday 8th of September 2023
Check-points at the airport: 1. Pay Voa fee 2. Pay tourist tax 3. Immigration 4. Luggage and Customs 5. Bali taxi mafia
Families with small children need to think twice arriving late night having to queue for all this.
petter gleeson
Friday 8th of September 2023
new era of graft,
Firechef
Friday 8th of September 2023
Spending the money on "Local Wisdom" ? What Local Wisdom? Maybe teach them not to burn trash or throw in the rivers and gutters? Good luck with that also,can't teach an old dog new tricks. How about just using that money for trash cleanup and building a modern trash incinerator which would benefit everyone and not just the natives. You want more big spending tourists, then you better start cleaning up your act or they'll go somewhere else.