Can Bali Solve Its Overtourism Conundrum?

By Chad de Guzman, TIME Reporter

Introduction
As Bali continues to draw millions of visitors from around the globe, the idyllic Indonesian island grapples with the challenges of overtourism. The desire to boost economic growth through tourism clashes with the urgent need to preserve the island’s cultural and natural heritage. A long history of tourism-related issues, coupled with new policy implementations, raises questions about the feasibility of striking a balance.

A Century of Tourism in Bali
The allure of Bali is not new. In 1924, French-American filmmaker André Roosevelt famously dubbed the island "The Last Paradise," captivated by its beauty. However, Roosevelt foresaw the potential destruction of this paradise through an increase in Western tourists. He recommended imposing a head tax on visitors, a suggestion that gained traction over the decades, culminating in the introduction of a mandatory tourist levy in 2024. Today, Bali stands as one of the world’s premier destinations, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural experiences, and relatively affordable luxury. Yet, these very factors have led to an influx of tourists that many believe is eroding the island’s charm.

Economic Impact vs. Environmental Burden
Tourism accounts for an estimated 60-70% of Bali’s regional GDP. In 2023, 6.33 million international visitors flocked to the island, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, this growth has not come without significant drawbacks, including traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and cultural insensitivity among some tourists. These issues have prompted local authorities to seek solutions to the burgeoning tourist dilemma.

Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the head of Bali’s provincial tourism office, highlighted the imbalance between the economic benefits of tourism and the societal costs. Although regulations exist to manage tourists, enforcement has lagged. "We will start to carry out law enforcement measures … What is left to do is the implementation and synchronization," Pemayun stated.

Policy Movements
Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, has pledged to strengthen regulatory measures. Recently, he outlined a set of behavioral guidelines for visitors aimed at maintaining cultural respect while enjoying the island. These recommendations include dressing appropriately at religious sites, adhering to traffic laws, and avoiding littering and other disrespectful behaviors. The introduction of a $9 tourist levy, however, faced obstacles, with only a fraction of foreign visitors complying.

To ensure adherence to these guidelines, Koster announced that those who do not pay the levy will be denied access to attractions, while serious offenders may face fines or even deportation. Police will play a central role in enforcing compliance, and Koster encouraged residents to report disturbances.

Challenges of Enforcement
Despite efforts to curb unruliness, enforcement remains a significant hurdle. Niluh Djelantik, an Indonesian senator and advocate against tourist misbehavior, highlights a pervasive mentality among some visitors who feel entitled to disregard local laws. Concerns over consistent enforcement across Indonesia fuel the perception that Bali is a lawless place for tourists.

Previous attempts to restrict tourist activities met with limited success. In March 2023, Koster proposed a motorcycle ban for tourists due to safety concerns, but the initiative was not fully realized. Meanwhile, a proposed steep entertainment tax targeting bars and nightclubs saw pushback from local businesses and was subsequently scrapped.

Moving Towards Sustainable Tourism
Bali’s future tourism strategy is now centered on enhancing quality rather than quantity. Local authorities recognize the urgent need for a sustainable approach to tourism that prioritizes the island’s ecological and cultural preservation while safeguarding the livelihoods dependent on the tourism industry.

Pemayun expressed concerns over the portrayal of Bali as a low-cost destination, stating, “Hopefully, we can minimize that so we can do better for Bali in the future.” Others advocate for implementing a higher tourist tax, as well as focusing efforts on quality tourism, which prioritizes enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the local economy.

Wider Implications
Bali’s struggle with overtourism is reflective of a broader global trend, as cities like Barcelona and Venice face similar issues of visitor saturation. Indonesian officials have approached this context cautiously, warning against a situation where tourists are perceived as adversaries by residents.

As Bali sets its sights on increasing international arrivals up to 6.5 million in 2025, concerns about the implications of further tourist influx persist. The community remains divided on whether prioritizing visitor numbers truly leads to shared economic prosperity.

Conclusion
As Bali confronts the challenges of overtourism, the path forward involves careful navigation of economic goals and cultural preservation. With a renewed focus on policy enforcement and sustainable practices, Bali may yet retain its character as a paradise while providing a beneficial experience for visitors and locals alike.