DENPASAR – The Balinese government has introduced a new set of strict behavioral guidelines for foreign visitors, aiming to address rising concerns over disrespectful and environmentally damaging behavior by tourists. Governor Wayan Koster officially announced the measures this week, stating that the initiative is designed to ensure tourism in Bali remains “respectful, sustainable, and aligned with Balinese values.”
The decision comes in response to a growing number of incidents involving inappropriate behavior at religious sites, careless conduct in traffic, and environmental neglect – all of which have strained the relationship between tourists and local communities.
Overview of New Tourist Regulations
The newly published guidelines, which will be distributed at airports, hotels, and via tourism agencies, detail what is expected of visitors. A government-backed awareness campaign is also being rolled out in multiple languages.
Key Rules Include:
- Respect for Sacred Sites:
Visitors are strictly prohibited from climbing on sacred structures, entering temple areas improperly dressed, or engaging in inappropriate photography or behavior at religious locations. Modest clothing and respectful conduct are now mandatory at all cultural and spiritual sites. - Dress Code Enforcement:
Tourists must wear proper attire in public spaces. Swimwear is permitted only on beaches or at pools – not in towns, shops, temples, or markets. - Driving Regulations:
Foreigners must carry a valid international driving permit to rent or operate a scooter or car. Random traffic checks will be intensified, and unlicensed tourists may face fines or deportation. - Ban on Illegal Work and Performances:
Tourists are not allowed to engage in any form of unauthorized commercial activity, including working without a visa or performing in public spaces. - Environmental Responsibility:
Littering, using single-use plastics in protected areas, and disturbing wildlife are strictly forbidden. Offenders may be fined or barred from reentry. - Prohibition on Sacred Object Disrespect:
Visitors are forbidden from touching or posing disrespectfully with offerings or sacred objects placed on the ground or in temples. - Drone Use Regulation:
Drone usage is now restricted to specific zones and requires government approval near religious or populated areas. - Ban on “Digital Nomad Misconduct”:
Tourists staying under visa-free arrangements are not permitted to earn income online or participate in business activities without proper registration.
Focus on Education and Enforcement
The new rules will be enforced through increased patrols and the distribution of multilingual guidebooks outlining dos and don’ts. Tourists who violate the regulations risk deportation, fines, or being blacklisted from re-entering Indonesia.
Governor Koster emphasized that the move is not aimed at discouraging tourism but rather preserving what makes Bali unique. “We welcome visitors, but they must adapt to our culture, not the other way around,” he said.
Reactions from the Tourism Industry
Many local stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that preserving Bali’s identity is essential to the long-term health of its tourism economy. “We are not just a beach destination – our culture is sacred,” said I Nyoman Suarta, a representative from the Bali Tourism Board. “We believe serious tourists will appreciate the clarity.”
International tour operators are now adjusting their packages and pre-arrival communications to include briefings on the new guidelines.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Tourism as a National Goal
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has endorsed the Bali initiative and is considering expanding similar policies to other high-traffic destinations like Lombok and Yogyakarta.
With over 5 million visitors expected in 2025, Bali’s push for respectful and sustainable tourism may serve as a model for how developing destinations can balance cultural integrity with global popularity. (zai)