Bali. Bali's Provincial Government is set to introduce a foreign tourist levy of Rp 150,000 ($10) per person on Feb. 14, 2024. This initiative, aimed at securing the long-term sustainability of tourism in Bali, is expected to generate tax revenues surpassing Rp 750 billion.

"What happens in Bali is not a tax but a levy for waste management and the preservation of the purity and sustainability of Bali's culture," explained Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno at the sidelines of the Investor Daily Roundtable event at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Sandiaga said the levy would be used to ensure the sustainability of tourism in Bali, including benefits for the local community.

"So, we will await February 14. We are committed to ensuring the proper utilization of the levy, with the hope that Bali will emerge as a globally renowned destination," he said.

In 2023, Ngurah Rai International Airport recorded 5.25 million visits from international tourists, marking a significant increase of 143 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

Sandiaga predicted a 30-40 percent increase in the number of foreign tourist visits to Indonesia in 2024.

According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the total number of foreign tourists throughout 2023 reached 11.68 million visits, a 98.3 percent increase compared to 2022.

"We had to revise the target for foreign tourist visits three times last year, and this year there will be an increase of 30 percent-40 percent," he concluded.

Haryadi Sukamdani, Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI), said this decision might prompt other provincial governments to follow Bali's lead.

"Why does it happen in Bali? Because the Bali Province feels that they are not receiving revenue from tourism activities, which is the sector that contributes significantly. However, it is the second-level governments, namely districts and cities, that benefit," said Haryadi in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He emphasized the need for better regulations in the future, expressing concern that if the current situation persists, all regions may start seeking additional funds. "If Bali does it, other regions will do the same for various reasons. It will be counterproductive," he said.

Haryadi said GIPI has discussed this decision with the Tourism and Creative Economy Minister.

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