Australian travelers looking to head to Bali could be forced to pay an even higher tourist tax on arrival.
Indonesian politicians are pushing for an increase in the current rate, which they consider inadequate ($15 or IDR 150,000).
They propose to increase the fee to approximately IDR 800,000, equivalent to about 75 Australian dollars.
“This tax on foreign tourists is not yet effective, so we want to increase the role of other sectors such as immigration and the police,” Balinese politician Gede Komang Kresna Budi told reporters.
‘I think 150,000 IDR is too low, making Bali look like a cheap tourist destination. That’s why we plan to increase it by $50 US dollars.
“Why should Bali be sold at a low price?” Budi asked.
Bali introduced a $15 foreign tourist tax in February this year, and it is mandatory for all international travelers and tourists visiting the province.
The money goes to support the island so it can cope with the millions of visitors who come to its shores each year.
This includes building infrastructure, tackling Bali’s growing waste problem and funding a campaign against bad tourist behaviour.
The $15 entry fee to Bali, introduced on February 14, will rise to $75 to support the influx of visitors to the island.
Tourist police have been carrying out spot checks to ensure travellers have paid the fee, but there are no fines or criminal penalties for not paying the tax, although it is a legal requirement.
However, according to the Bali Tourism Board, only 40 percent of tourists pay the required tourist tax.
One of the main reasons for the problem is the lack of resources at Bali airport, including scanners and staff to verify payment.
Tourist police have been conducting random checks to ensure travelers have paid the fee, but there are no fines or criminal penalties for not paying the tax, even though it is a legal requirement.
Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, the acting governor, believes there should be stricter consequences for non-paying tourists.
“I hope that the Regional Regulations establish sanctions for tourists who do not pay the fees. For example, fines or sanctions,” he explained.
