From February 14, 2024, a levy of Rp 150,000 per person (approximately US$9.50) will be imposed on foreign tourists. While this was passed in February, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno only said that 40 percent of tourists actually paid the tourist tax.
During the ‘Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno’ in Jakarta on Monday, March 25, Minister Uno announced this news and added that the ministry will boost its information dissemination to recoup the full ley amount.
Through ministries, institutions, airlines and prominent stakeholders in the tourism sector, the ministry hopes to disseminate information to all incoming travelers. They will also share the information with Indonesia’s major tourism markets, namely Australia, Singapore, India and Malaysia.
While the focus has been on tourists arriving at Bali’s international gates, connecting routes and other entry points have not yet been addressed, Bali Tourism Board Tjok Bagus Pemayun said.
To encourage collection of the levy, stands on domestic arrival routes, both Jakarta and other destinations, have been proposed for better enforcement. The amounts generated from the levy will be used for the protection of culture and nature and for waste management in Bali.
Money that should be used to tackle the beach waste problem
This has come to light as tonnes of rubble and rubbish have landed on Bali’s popular tourist beaches in recent weeks. They will use the money for this improve the Reduce, Reuse Recycling Waste Processing Facilities (TPS3Rs) that are already in place.
How to pay
All tourists must pay the levy through the Love Bali system through the lovebali.baliprov.go.id or the Love Bali app before arrival. However, there are seven categories of tourists who are exempt from paying the levy:
- Foreign tourists with diplomatic and official visas
- Crew members of transport vehicles
- Holders of temporary or permanent residence permits
- Holders of family reunification visas
- Student visas
- Golden visas
- Business visas
