Indonesia considers tourist tax on foreign travellers
The Indonesian government is considering imposing a tax on foreign tourists after a series of incidents in which badly behaved foreigners have violated laws or customs, local media reported.
Foreign tourists are seen on December 31 last year aboard a fast boat at a pier on Serangan Island, Bali. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian government is considering imposing a ♚tax on foreign tourists aftera series of incidents in which badly behaved foreigners have violated laws orcustoms, local media r൲eported.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno toldreporters that the planned tax plan was “currently being studied” and he expectedthe study to wrap up in the coming weeks so that they can discuss and decidethe matter.
Meanwhile, businesses fear the imposition ofthis tax will deter tourists from traveling to Indonesia, harming the tourismindustry at a time when 🤡the sector is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early April, Coordinating Minister of MaritimeAffairs and Investment LuhutPandjaitan also called for the new levy to be imposed soon, saying that Bali is one ofthe cheapest tourist destinations in the world and that this has encouragedmany low-income foreigners to the island. He also said that this tourist paradise needs to shift away frommass tourism and focus on becoming a quality tourist destination. Both ministers mentioned that the new “foreign tourist tax”could be used to develop and market the country’s tourist destinations.
Before the pandemic, Bali – well-known for its surf spots, riceterraces and nightlife - attracted 6.2 million foreign visitors a year and the tourismindustry is estimated to contribute about 60% of the island’s economy.
Locals are increasinglyfrustrated with the disrespectful or bad behaviour of foreign tourists, from🔜taking nude photos at sacred sites to traffic violations.
Last month, BaliGovernor Wayan Koster said the island plans to ban tourists from rentingmotorbikes due to frequent violations of traffic regulations, including notwearing a helmet or lacking a driver's license./.
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Foreign tourists are seen on December 31 last year aboard a fast boat at a pier on Serangan Island, Bali. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
