Bali, Indonesia is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, attracting millions of tourists from around the world every year. However, a recent incident at the Ngurah Rai International Airport has brought to light the alleged corrupt behavior of a customs officer. A Taiwanese tourist claims that she was extorted by the officer, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and transparency within Indonesian customs practices. The incident has caused outrage among tourists and locals alike, prompting calls for action to prevent future incidents. Read on to learn more about the incident and its implications for the tourism industry in Bali.
Bali’s tourism industry has been recovering since the Covid-19 pandemic, but a recent allegation of extortion involving an official at Ngurah Rai International Airport could hamper the sector’s return to pre-pandemic normalcy. According to local news outlets, an unnamed Taiwanese tourist faced an unpleasant experience at the airport when an unnamed customs officer accused them of breaking rules by taking photos of a long queue at customs. The tourist was then soon moved to a small, dark room for interrogation. The officer rebuffed the tourist’s explanation, and eventually demanded US$4,000 in fines. The tourist pretended he did not have that much money and managed to haggle the fine down to $ US$270.
This incident could deter visitors from coming to Bali, according to a statement quoted by Taiwanese TV station CTS saying that the incident left the tourist feeling exploited. As a result of the widespread dissemination of such complaints, airport officials from Bali are facing intense public scrutiny.
Bowo Pramoedito, the spokesman of the Ngurah Rai Customs Office, said they are looking into the allegations. He adds that the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the customs and excise department, is currently under intense public scrutiny amid widespread online exposure of tax and customs officials living well beyond the means of their modest pay.
In 2015, a similar incident befell another Taiwanese tourist when they alleged they were blackmailed and robbed by immigration officers at Ngurah Rai Airport, a situation which is currently being investigated. Later reports emerged that the specific officer who allegedly demanded the bribe was an immigration official and not a customs officer. The official Twitter account of the Indonesian Immigration Office released a statement saying that they are investigating the case as well.
Last week, a Finnish man in a wheelchair claimed he was unable to retrieve a package containing urinary collection devices from the Ngurah Rai Customs Office because of a lack of an “import permit.” After the clip of his struggle went viral, he managed to get the package once the camp office was in touch with the Ministry of Health, who helped out in sorting the complex problem.
In conclusion, Bali’s tourism industry, which was once a significant contributor to the economy, may take time to return to its former status. Airport officials must address the repeated extortion allegations, and the government needs to enforce proper employee compensation and accountability to make it more attractive for visitors to return to Bali.
