In a bold move to protect its cultural heritage and foster responsible tourism, Indonesia has taken a firm stance against inappropriate behavior by foreign tourists in Bali. The Indonesian government, through the Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards actions that disrespect local customs and traditions.
This strict approach targets activities such as drug use, public nudity, and excessive public intoxication, which have caused frustration among the local community. Despite these stricter regulations, including a new US$10 cultural preservation tax, Bali continues to attract a significant number of visitors, with approximately 3.89 million tourists welcomed in the first half of 2024 alone. This highlights the effectiveness of the government’s strategy in promoting responsible tourism while safeguarding the island’s rich cultural heritage.
The introduction of these stricter public behavior laws followed several incidents where foreigners blatantly disregarded local customs and engaged in indecent acts. The consequences are real, with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Bali reporting the deportation of 157 foreign nationals by August 2024. An additional 194 individuals were detained at the immigration center awaiting deportation. Immigration Director-General Silmy Karim highlighted the importance of heightened vigilance as foreign tourist activity increases, noting that most violations came from tourists hailing from Australia, China, Nigeria, and Russia.
Beyond stricter regulations, the Indonesian government has also established a dedicated police unit to support visitors and enforce these new measures. This proactive approach aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for both tourists and locals, ensuring a harmonious and sustainable tourism experience in Bali.
