Jakarta – The Bali Provincial Government recorded revenue of IDR 287 billion from foreign tourist levies since February 14, 2024. Rahmi Fajar Harini, cofounder of Eco Tourism Bali, suggested that part of this fund should be allocated to managing waste on the Island of the Gods. This revenue was collected by the Bali Provincial Government from the foreign tourist levy (FTL) imposed since February 14, 2024, through September 2024. Each foreign tourist is required to pay a levy of USD 10 or IDR 150,000.
The Bali Tourism Agency reported that this figure accounts for only 40% of international tourists visiting Bali during that period. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the total number of foreign visitors to Bali reached approximately 4.7 million. This implies that 60% of tourists have yet to pay the levy.
Under Bali Provincial Regulation No. 6 of 2023 on Foreign Tourist Levies for the Protection of Bali’s Culture and Natural Environment, the funds are intended for safeguarding Bali’s customs, traditions, arts, and cultural heritage, as well as preserving the island’s natural environment. The funds also aim to enhance the quality of tourism services, and cultural tourism management, and serve as a guideline for implementing and managing the levy proceeds.
Unfortunately, Bali is currently under scrutiny for its subpar tourism management, earning a spot on Fodor’s list of destinations deemed unfit for travel in 2025. Critics argue that Bali prioritizes accommodating foreign tourists over protecting its cultural identity and environment. The waste crisis in Bali has become dire, with the island being dubbed a “plastic apocalypse.”
Rahmi emphasized that the waste issue in Bali can no longer be ignored and must become a priority for the Bali Provincial Government.
“With more tourists arriving and Bali’s population increasing, the lack of improved waste solutions is a significant problem. Whoever gets elected in the upcoming regional elections, along with all stakeholders, must treat waste management as a critical issue,” Rahmi told detikTravel on Thursday (November 28, 2024).
“There is funding available, and the regional budget (APBD) already includes allocations for waste management. It can be supplemented with revenue from the foreign tourist levy, which now exceeds IDR 100 billion. This should be utilized effectively,” Rahmi said.
She outlined several measures the government must take to address the waste problem. While policies exist, strong political will is also required.
“The government needs to prepare infrastructure, such as waste collection vehicles suitable for Bali’s narrow roads, and address single-use plastics. Incentives should be provided to those actively tackling waste. There are numerous examples from other regions and communities in Bali,” Rahmi added.
Rahmi also highlighted the importance of educating both the government and local residents about waste management, especially in adapting habits around packaging and religious offerings.
Education should also extend to all stakeholders, including tourists, local residents, and government officials.
“In traditional markets and ceremonies 20–30 years ago, biodegradable offerings were the norm. Now, plastic is used widely in coffee shops, snack packaging, and even in offerings, which are prepared quickly and daily. This has become a significant source of waste,” she explained.
“Previously, there was a gubernatorial regulation on single-use plastic, which slightly reduced its usage, but it was countered by the mass sale of reusable shopping bags. People often forget to bring them and end up buying new ones, which eventually also become waste. This shows that residents have not fully realized they are part of the solution to the waste issue,” she stressed.
Education must also target tourism entrepreneurs, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The use of plastic packaging and waste segregation should become mandatory practices in these establishments.
“Hotels, restaurants, and cafes must segregate their waste and manage organic waste properly. There are already many examples of successful organic waste management that turn waste into feed, compost, and other uses. As for inorganic waste, it should be separated. It would be even better if the government could provide incentives and solutions for handling inorganic waste, including its final disposal or recycling,” Rahmi concluded.
Source: detikTravel.