Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, has officially announced the guidelines for tourists visiting the island.
These guidelines were developed by the provincial government after careful planning and preparation. The Governor’s Circular Letter Number 4 of 2023 outlines the expected behavior for tourists and international visitors in Bali.
To ensure a positive and respectful experience, tourists are required to adhere to twelve obligations, or ‘do’ behaviors, as well as eight prohibitions, or ‘don’ts.’
The publication of the circular letter and the subsequent press conference held by Governor Koster are part of an effort to address the recent increase in unruly behavior exhibited by a small minority of tourists on the island.
Here are the new guidelines for tourists in Bali:
-Tourists must respect the sacred nature of Balinese temples and religious symbols.
-Tourists must show respect for Balinese culture, customs, traditions, and art, as well as the wisdom of the Balinese people.
-Tourists must dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting holy places, tourist attractions, and public spaces.
-Tourists must behave politely and respectfully in sacred places, tourist attractions, restaurants, on the roads, and in all public areas.
-Tourists must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide who possesses a solid understanding of Bali’s natural conditions, customs, traditions, and local wisdom.
-Tourists should only exchange foreign currency at authorized money changers (KUPVA) designated by banks or non-bank entities displaying a permit number and a QR code logo from Bank Indonesia.
-Tourists are required to make payments using the Indonesian Standard QR Code (QRIS).
-Tourists must pay for goods, services, and experiences, as well as all other financial transactions, in Indonesian rupiah.
-Tourists are only allowed to drive in compliance with Indonesian laws and regulations, possessing a valid international or national driving license, driving in an orderly manner, wearing appropriate attire and a helmet, obeying traffic signs, refraining from overloading vehicles, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
-Tourists may only use official four-wheeled vehicles or registered two-wheeled vehicles provided by legal businesses or transportation leasing associations.
-Tourists may only stay in accommodations with the necessary permits in accordance with the laws and regulations of Bali and Indonesia.
-Tourists must comply with all specific provisions and rules applicable to each tourist attraction and activity.
Governor Koster’s Circular Letter 4 of 2023 also specifies the prohibited behaviors for tourists in Bali:
-Tourists must not enter the sacred spaces within temples, such as the damaging and madya courtyards, or sacred places like temples and pelinggih, unless for the purpose of prayer. Prayer should be conducted while wearing traditional Balinese clothes and should not take place during menstruation.
-Tourists must not touch or climb sacred trees.
-Tourists must not engage in any behaviors that desecrate holy places, temples, sacred objects within temples (pratima), or religious symbols. This includes climbing sacred buildings and taking pictures with immodest or no clothing.
-Tourists must not litter or pollute lakes, springs, rivers, oceans, or public spaces.
-Tourists must not use single-use plastics such as plastic bags, polystyrene (styrofoam), and plastic straws.
-Tourists must not engage in communication involving harsh words, impolite behavior, noise-making, or aggressive actions towards state officials, the government, local communities, or fellow tourists. This includes both direct interactions and online platforms, where hate speech and spreading hoaxes are prohibited.
-Tourists must not work or conduct business activities without proper documentation from the relevant legal authority.
-Tourists must not participate in illegal activities, such as trading flora and fauna, cultural artifacts, sacred objects, or dealing in illegal goods, including drugs.
While these guidelines may seem extensive, they largely reiterate existing laws within Indonesia and the province of Bali. However, recent weeks have seen a more rigorous enforcement of these laws and cultural regulations through the establishment of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Implementation of Tourism Governance.
It is evident that the police, provincial government, and immigration authorities are adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards unruly behavior on the island. Those found violating the law may face deportation from Indonesia.
