The Head of the Technical Implementation Unit for the Bali Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Klungkung I Nengah Bagus Sugiarta, gave his opinion regarding the increase in retribution fees in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Klungkung. The policy states that now tourists must pay a retribution fees of IDR 100,000 for snorkelling and diving. This policy is applied to earn income which will later be used to fund MPA management.
Sugiarta explained that the maintenance of the marine protected area funded from the retribution fee includes protecting, preserving, and rehabilitating marine biota ecosystems in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. “This policy was implemented to improve the security of the MPA as a tourism destination and to increase socio-cultural and economic empowerment of the people around the MPA,” said Sugiarta on Monday, the 3rd of July 2023.
The mandatory retribution fee refers to Bali Regional Regulation Number 7 of 2021, concerning the Third Amendment to Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2011, concerning Business Services Retribution. The regulation also stipulates sanctions, namely six months’ confinement to a maximum fine of IDR 50 million if visitors do not pay the retribution fee.
Tourism stakeholders in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, especially those providing snorkelling and diving services, have complained about a retribution fee of IDR 100,000 per person. This new retribution fee has been in effect since Saturday, the 1st of July 2023, and it seems like a very sudden decision.
The retribution ticket says, ‘Retribution Ticket Bali Marine Protected Area IDR 100,000. Valid for one person per day.’ The ticket also bears the Provincial Government of Bali & Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service logos.
Tourism stakeholders in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida were surprised when they saw officers carrying tickets and collecting fees from tourists who would snorkel or dive there.
Before this, tourists wanted to snorkel, and diving would only be charged a fee to pay for services to those who provided diving and snorkelling services on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
Niluh Djelantik, a Balinese community leader, asked the government for an explanation regarding the snorkel and diving retribution fees in Nusa Penida which seemed to be implemented without prior socialization. Through Niluh’s personal Instagram account, Niluh asked for details on the imposition of the retribution fee and its benefits for Nusa Penida or tourists.
“In addition to accident insurance for tourists, it’s good to provide souvenirs that can be distributed to snorkelling companies/guides to be given to tourists based on the fees they pay,” Niluh added via her social media.
In contrast to public opinion, Bali’s acting Governor, Wayan Koster, provides full support for applying a retribution fee in Nusa Penida. According to him, the policy of withdrawing retribution fees to tourists is under regulations. “This policy is in accordance with the regulations that are being implemented; it’s just that maybe there are those who haven’t received socialisation,” he said.
The Governor has ordered the Bali Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service to conduct socialization for tourism stakeholders in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan who still object to the enactment of this policy. “I have asked the Maritime Service to bring order to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida regarding this policy,” he said.
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