The Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and Immigration in Bali has taken an initiative to distribute informational cards to foreign tourists arriving at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. These cards serve as a guide, outlining a set of rules and responsibilities that must be followed during their stay on the enchanting Island of Bali. The distribution of these cards aims to prevent any misbehavior or misconduct by foreign tourists, also known as WNA.
Anggiat Napitupulu, the Head of the Regional Office, emphasized the importance of reporting any inappropriate behavior by foreign nationals to the immigration authorities promptly. The cards, handed out by a team of 48 immigration officers, contain crucial information regarding the 12 obligations and eight prohibitions that foreign tourists must adhere to while exploring the beautiful landscapes of Bali.
The primary objective behind this initiative is to ensure that foreign tourists have a clear understanding of the legal and cultural norms prevalent in Bali. With recent incidents involving improper conduct by foreign visitors on the island, it has become crucial to educate and raise awareness among tourists about their responsibilities and obligations during their stay.
Anggiat expressed his gratitude towards the cooperation of the local government, the team responsible for monitoring foreign nationals, and the community as a whole. Together, they aim to effectively monitor the behavior and presence of foreign tourists residing in villas or homestays across the island.
These pocket-sized cards, inserted into international passengers’ passports upon completion of the identity verification process and immigration stamping, feature concise and precise messages printed in red. However, recognizing the diversity of foreign visitors, the cards will be further translated into four additional languages: Russian, Hindi, Mandarin, and Japanese. This decision is based on the fact that the majority of foreign tourists visiting Bali come from these countries.
The cards’ content is aligned with the guidelines established in the Circular Letter issued by the Governor of Bali, specifically, Circular Letter Number 4 of 2023. The obligations listed on the cards emphasize the importance of respecting the sanctity of temples and sacred symbols, honoring local customs, traditions, arts, and culture, as well as dressing modestly and respectfully while engaging in various activities and visiting sacred sites.
Foreign tourists are encouraged to be accompanied by licensed tourist guides who possess a deep understanding of the natural surroundings, cultural traditions, and local wisdom of the Balinese community. They are also advised to exchange foreign currency only at authorized money changers, utilize the Indonesian Standard QR Code for payments, and conduct transactions using the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah.
Furthermore, compliance with traffic regulations, possession of valid driving permits, and respectful behavior towards road users and pedestrians are essential for foreign tourists driving vehicles. It is crucial to follow these regulations to ensure road safety and preserve a harmonious atmosphere on Bali’s roads.
The rules and responsibilities mentioned on the cards extend to selecting accommodation establishments that hold valid permits according to the existing laws and regulations. By doing so, tourists can contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry and support businesses that operate in compliance with legal standards.
In addition to the general obligations and prohibitions, tourists are also expected to follow any specific rules and regulations imposed at individual tourist attractions and during various tourism activities throughout their stay.
By disseminating these informational cards, the Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum dan HAM dan Imigrasi Bali aims to create a harmonious and respectful environment for both foreign tourists and the local community. Failure to comply with the listed obligations and prohibitions may result in appropriate measures being taken against those who violate the rules, in accordance with the applicable laws of Indonesia.
