Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, declared earlier this month that he will enact a compulsory tourism tax in 2024. The news elicited an outpouring of support from Bali visitors and tourism stakeholders. The Governor has now provided further information regarding this new tourist tax.
On the 20th of July, Governor Wayan Koster announced that the new tax would be paid using an electronic system while speaking from Denpasar, Bali.
The tourism tax will only be collectible in Indonesian rupiah, according to the provincial head, to protect against fluctuations in the value of other currencies.
To encourage spending transparency, Governor Koster stated that the payments would be made using an electronic payment network.
As soon as the new tourism tax was announced, internet critics emphasised how crucial transparency is. According to the Governor and Bali provincial legislation, all tax expenditures shall be made transparently.
“Coordination regarding incentives with the general government is required when the central government also imposes a ‘tourism tax’ on every foreign national who visits Indonesia,” Governor Koster added.
Koster stated that regardless of how a foreigner reaches Bali—by air or sea—the IDR 100,000 flat tourism tax will be charged.
To ensure the system is operating efficiently, the Governor said that the cost would be reevaluated every three years when the new tourism tax is implemented.
The People’s Representative Council of the Province of Bali (DPRD) has asserted that the IDR 100,000 charge is insufficient. There have been suggestions for the rate ranging from IDR 150,000 to 500,000.
This new tourism tax announcement is in addition to rumours that the Visa on Arrival charge in Bali may increase, with certain Balinese politicians wanting to see the fee triple with as little delay as possible.
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