TBM Staff - Mumbai
Tourism leaders in Bali are urging the government to reassess the visa-on-arrival policy due to a recent surge in reports of foreigners engaging in undesirable behavior, including theft, drunk and disorderly conduct, and disrespect for local culture. The policy currently allows tourists from over 90 countries to visit Indonesia, including Bali, for up to 30 days for IDR 500,000.
The Bali Tourism Industry Association is advocating for stricter immigration policies to ensure higher-quality tourism.
Chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana emphasised that the industry is willing to adapt to tighter visa regulations if it means a more respectful and culturally sensitive tourist experience. He noted that tourism stakeholders are no longer concerned solely with the number of tourists but also with their quality and respect for local customs.
The Deputy for Marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economies, Marthini, confirmed that policy changes regarding visas and immigration laws ultimately fall under the jurisdiction of the Directorate General of Immigration. However, she indicated that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economies could work with immigration authorities to advise on effective policy changes. Marthini also mentioned that efforts are underway to better communicate Indonesia’s expectations of tourists and foreigners doing business in the country through educational resources and socialisation of rules and regulations.
The recent rise in reports of foreigners breaking the law and disrespecting local culture has led to a significant number of deportations. So far this year, the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights has deported 135 foreigners from 41 countries, with the highest number of deportees holding Australian passports. The violations committed by the deported immigrants ranged from overstaying visas to theft and breaking of visa conditions. Despite the number of deportations, the overall number of international tourists visiting Bali is expected to exceed the target of 7 million this year, with over 4 million tourists already visiting the province in April alone.
