Indonesia’s Maritime and Investment Affairs Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, is calling for Bali to attract “classier” tourists, rather than the typically rowdy holidaymakers Bali has become renowned for. Pandjaitan is pushing for Bali to focus on “quality tourism” instead of “mass tourism,” and is calling for a tax to be placed on tourists entering the country. The tax could be used to finance destination development and tourism promotion. Pandjaitan also wants a disincentive policy for tourists from countries that are known for problematic behaviour. A similar comment has been made by the chairman of the Regional People’s Legislative Council of the Province of Bali, Nyoman Adi Wiryatama. Last month, the tourism board announced plans to use educational billboards to build awareness amongst visitors and educate tourists on how to behave in cultural settings. At least 10 large billboards will be installed in areas that have seen the most violations. Indonesia’s director general of immigration, Silmy Karim, revealed that 620 foreigners, who had either misused visas and residence permits, overstayed or not complied with regulations, have been deported so far this year. The crackdown comes after an Australian woman, who had lived in Bali for 23 years, was deported last week for abusing an officer who had pulled her over for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
