Indonesia Plans Major Reforms to Enhance Bali's Tourism Quality

Indonesia is set to audit and reform Bali's tourism to enhance quality and preserve local culture and jobs. Senior Minister Luhut Pandjaitan highlighted issues stemming from over 200,000 foreign residents, including crime and over-development. The government aims to address infrastructure, trash problems, and curb inappropriate tourist behavior.

Indonesia is set to audit and reform Bali's tourism industry in an effort to enhance quality and preserve local culture and jobs, announced senior minister Luhut Pandjaitan on Friday. The reforms come in response to problems caused by the over 200,000 foreigners currently residing on the tropical island, contributing to issues like crime, over-development, and job competition.

Speaking in English on his Instagram page, Pandjaitan stated the government's preparedness to deport tourists who engage in problematic behavior, including narcotics and gang activity. With foreign arrivals in Bali surging post-COVID, videos of unruly tourists going viral have ignited local frustration and sparked fierce social media backlash in Indonesia.

According to Indonesia's statistics bureau, 2.9 million foreign visitors entered through Bali airport in the first half of this year, comprising 65% of the nation's total foreign arrivals by air. Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno emphasized the government's intent to prevent Bali from becoming like Barcelona, where tourists are viewed as public enemies.

Further measures include addressing trash and infrastructure issues and halting over-development. Pandjaitan stressed quality over quantity in tourism. With public nudity illegal and no existing strip clubs on the island, the government will soon announce detailed plans for reforming Bali's tourism sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)