11-6-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s picturesque island of Bali, renowned for its stunning beaches and lush rice fields, is aiming to shift its tourism focus away from misbehaving guests and instead entice talented nomads, retirees, and health enthusiasts.
The local government has taken action by deporting 136 foreigners since the beginning of the year due to various misconduct, including indecent exposure, disruptive behavior, and violating local regulations, according to the Bali immigration office.
In recent incidents, a German tourist disrupted a show at an Ubud temple by walking naked on stage, while a Danish woman was detained for exposing herself in public. Furthermore, a British man is currently facing trial for assaulting a police officer after refusing to settle his bar bill.
These incidents have left Bali Governor I Wayan Koster with a dilemma: whether to continue welcoming all tourists or adopt a more selective approach, risking the island’s fragile recovery. Alternatively, there is the option to transform the island into a hub for health tourism and research.
Indonesia is exploring partnerships with renowned medical institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic to establish a medical center in Sanur, a tranquil town on the island’s eastern coast. This medical facility would also include luxury hotels and care facilities for seniors. Additionally, Bali plans to develop a research hub in Serangan in collaboration with Tsinghua University’s Southeast Asia Center, as announced by the coordinating ministry for economic affairs.
Like many other tourist destinations, Bali suffered immensely during the pandemic, resulting in the closure of numerous hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Although the number of overseas visitors increased to 2.16 million last year from less than 60 in 2020, it still represents only one-third of the more than 6 million arrivals in 2019.
As international tourists gradually return, Governor Koster is seeking a new tourism strategy that will restrict the entry of undesirable visitors while attracting those who are more inclined to contribute to the local economy and abide by the rules. “Tourism remains a pillar of our economy, but it will have a different position than before,” Koster stated in an interview. “This initiative will promote Bali’s transformation from mass tourism to high-quality tourism.”
Bali is actively welcoming potential investors by offering tax incentives, streamlined employment regulations, and simplified licensing processes, with the aim of generating 477 trillion rupiah ($32 billion) in foreign currency earnings by 2052. A recently passed law grants the island greater autonomy, enabling Governor Koster to plan its economic development effectively.
However, ill-behaved tourists will no longer receive a warm welcome. Bali is contemplating the introduction of an entry tax and visitor quotas, along with restrictions on mountain climbing, touching sacred trees, and renting motorbikes.
To ensure better compliance, licensed tour guides will be required to accompany foreign visitors, who are also expected to dress modestly and adhere to local regulations.
Foreign individuals with expertise in digital technology, healthcare, research, and other sectors may be eligible for “golden visas” that grant them ownership of assets and an expedited path to citizenship. Additionally, guests with a minimum bank account balance equivalent to 2 billion rupiah could apply for a “second home” visa, allowing them to stay in Bali for up to 10 years.
“Many countries have implemented golden visas because they offer numerous benefits by attracting increased investments,” stated Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno on Monday, adding that regulations for long-stay visas will be issued soon.
Bali is determined to redefine its tourism image, focusing on quality rather than quantity, as it aims to create a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector for the future.
