Jakarta. Bali has recorded Rp 2.89 trillion or $162 million in hotel and restaurant tax revenue this year as of May 27, as the tourist haven wages a war against illegal accommodations.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster revealed that the figure marked an uptrend from the previous year, despite the Iran war.

“The receipts used to stand at Rp 2.62 trillion [almost  $147 million] as of May 31,” Koster was quoted as saying by state news agency Antara.

Assuming the annual revenue could reach Rp 2.9 trillion (around $162.7 million) by the end of the month, this would mean a Rp 300 billion ($16.8 million) increase. Koster claimed that tax receipts from hotels alone had risen from Rp 1.7 trillion ($95.4 million) to Rp 1.8 trillion (nearly $101 million). The restaurant tax revenue jumped from Rp 885 billion ($49.7 million) to Rp 1 trillion ($56.1 million).”

Despite generating more money, Bali is attracting fewer foreign tourists. In April alone, the province recorded a 9% drop in international tourist visits. However, it is gradually recovering as the tourist haven only saw a 7% decline the following month. At the moment, the government is focusing on making sure that the tourists stay in licensed accommodations.

"Bali has many illegal villas and accommodations that don’t pay taxes and are rented out cheaply by Airbnb or other similar platforms,” Koster said.

“They are no longer allowed to operate because they ruin our tourism ecosystem.”