Bali’s Tourist Tax Has Collected Rp 283 Billion but Koster Remains Unsatisfied

The Trial Foreign Tourist Levy in Bali Successfully Generates Rp1.4 Billion
The Foreign Tourist Levy in Bali
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Revenue from Bali’s tourist tax or Foreign Tourist Levy has reached hundreds of billions of rupiah, but Governor Wayan Koster says the numbers are still falling short of expectations. As of September 27, 2025, the program had collected Rp 283 billion, yet this figure only reflects payments from about 35 percent of international travelers.

“As of September 27, only 35 percent of foreign tourists had made the payment. The total collected was Rp 283 billion,” Koster explained during a plenary session of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) on Monday (Sept 29, 2025), as quoted by detikBali.

He projected that the figure might reach Rp 360 billion by December, but he admitted it remains far below the target. “If we calculate until December, Bali’s tourist tax may reach around Rp 360 billion, but that’s still far from the target,” he added.

To strengthen the policy, Koster recently traveled to Jakarta and met with several ministers, including Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto. During the meeting, he sought direct support from immigration authorities to ensure better enforcement of the levy. According to him, Agus responded positively and promised to design a scheme that would allow immigration to play a bigger role in maximizing the levy.

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Beyond the Bali’s tourist tax collection, Koster also stressed the importance of improving immigration and visa policies for foreign tourists. He argued that these rules affect not only the volume but also the quality of visitors coming to Bali.

The levy itself was introduced on February 14, 2024, under Bali Provincial Regulation No. 6 of 2023 on Levies for Foreign Tourists (PWA). Every foreign traveler must pay Rp 150,000 before entering Bali, and the payment is processed digitally, with systems like the Love Bali app.

Revenue from this levy is earmarked to fund cultural and environmental protection programs while also preserving Bali’s customs and local wisdom. With billions already collected, officials believe the scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring Bali’s heritage and natural beauty remain safeguarded for years to come.