Bali Weighs Solutions to Overtourism Dilemma

By Chad de Guzman

Foreign tourists bask under the tropical sun on Kuta Beach near Denpasar, Bali, a scene that has become emblematic of Indonesia’s island paradise. However, this booming tourism comes with significant challenges, as both locals and officials grapple with the pressing issue of overtourism.

Historical Context of Bali’s Tourism Growth

Bali has long attracted visitors seeking its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle. The allure of "The Last Paradise," a moniker attributed to French-born American adventurer and filmmaker André Roosevelt, was evident even in the 1920s. Roosevelt played a pivotal role in promoting Bali’s charm in the United States, but he also foresaw the potential damage brought on by mass tourism, advocating controversial measures such as a tourist tax to mitigate its impact. Almost a century later, the island has decided to implement such a tax, reflecting the ongoing struggle with tourist influx and environmental sustainability.

Tourism’s Economic Impact

Today, Bali is a premier global destination, attracting around 6.33 million international tourists in 2023—a record surpassing pre-pandemic levels. These visitors contribute significantly to the local economy, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a staggering difference compared to the national tourism sector’s contribution of around 5% to Indonesia’s GDP. Despite the economic benefits, the overwhelming number of visitors poses challenges to the island’s infrastructure, environment, and cultural identity.

Government Response to Overtourism

Local authorities recognize the urgent need to address the negative consequences of overtourism, which include environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and cultural insensitivity. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, head of Bali’s Provincial Tourism Office, has set a target of welcoming 6.5 million visitors in 2025, despite acknowledging that such a goal could worsen existing issues. As a response to this predicament, the provincial government aims to enforce existing regulations more diligently and has announced updates to a list of rules governing tourist behavior.

Governor Wayan Koster’s initiative includes enhancing compliance measures associated with the recently introduced tourist levy, which is intended to curb the impact of overtourism. Under current regulations, tourists who fail to pay the approximately $9 fee risk being denied access to attractions, and those who breach other rules face legal repercussions, including fines or deportation.

Challenges in Regulation and Compliance

Despite the implementation of laws and regulations, there are significant challenges in enforcement. Data showed that only one-third of foreign visitors paid the tourist fee, raising questions about compliance and awareness. As Governor Koster noted, the issue is not merely the creation of rules but effectively putting them into action on the ground.

Community leaders and local lawmakers, such as Indonesian senator Niluh Djelantik, express concern over the behavior of some foreign tourists, noting a lack of respect for local customs and regulations. While Bali is known for its welcoming atmosphere, Djelantik highlights the need for respect and adherence to local laws, which apply to everyone, regardless of nationality.

Future Strategies for Sustainable Tourism

Efforts to soothe the overtourism crisis in Bali are multifaceted. Besides regulations and enforcement, officials have considered halting new hotel construction to control the visitor influx and preserving the local environment. Additionally, a comprehensive development plan is planned to address the long-term sustainability of tourism in Bali, a strategy being emphasized for the first time in the island’s history.

However, past proposals indicate that not all measures have been effectively put into practice. Governor Koster’s suggestion to ban tourist motorcycle rentals—a response to soaring accident rates—has faced resistance from local businesses and yet remains an unresolved issue.

The Path Forward

As calls for a shift towards "quality tourism" emerge, advocates are encouraging local authorities to focus less on quantity and more on improving the quality of the visitor experience and preserving cultural integrity. Some see the tourist tax as a critical move toward this end, albeit potentially needing to be set higher to be impactful. Debate continues regarding how Bali can accommodate continued tourist demand while safeguarding its natural and cultural resources.

The complexities of tourism in Bali mirror challenges faced by destinations worldwide, with local concerns growing as visitor numbers increase. Indonesia’s former tourism minister Sandiaga Uno cautioned of the dangers of escalating tensions between residents and tourists, advising against reaching the threshold where tourists become seen as adversaries.

As Bali navigates its overtourism conundrum, it remains to be seen how effectively strategies will be executed to balance economic growth with the preservation of this cherished destination.