Bali’s Tourism Levy Collection Surpasses Expectations in 2024

Bali, Indonesia — In a remarkable development for the island’s economy, the Bali Provincial Government has announced that it collected a total of 318 billion rupiah (approximately US$19.2 million) in 2024 through its Foreign Tourism Levy (PWA). This collection significantly surpassed the initial target of 250 billion rupiah, illustrating the robust return of tourism to the region following disruptions in previous years.

Funding for Environmental Protection and Cultural Preservation

According to Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, head of marketing at the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, the funds collected from the PWA are being strategically allocated to support various initiatives. This includes projects focused on environmental protection, as well as the improvement of waste management systems throughout the island. Investments are being made in facilities like the Suwung landfill to enhance the effectiveness of waste collection, processing, and disposal.

Furthermore, a portion of the funds is directed towards preserving Balinese culture. This involves sponsoring traditional performances and funding local artist communities, such as those involved in the annual Bali Art Festival.

Governor Wayan Koster expressed pride in the 2024 achievements and stated that the government has set an ambitious goal of 325 billion rupiah for the 2025 PWA collection, which represents a 30% increase over the previous year’s target.

Initiatives to Bolster Tourism and Local Villages

In his comments, Governor Koster emphasized that the proceeds from the PWA will be utilized not only for cultural development but also to foster a healthy environmental ecosystem, which is essential for promoting quality tourism. Each traditional village is expected to receive 300 million rupiah in funding to enhance their tourism offerings and preserve their cultural heritage. Support will also be extended to the Council of Traditional Villages to facilitate these initiatives.

To streamline the collection process of the PWA, Governor Koster has formed the PWA Monitoring and Implementation Team. Putu Winastra, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Bali Chapter, will coordinate this team, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of levy collection and increasing transparency in the use of funds.

Addressing Challenges in Levy Collection

During a press conference held at the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2025, Winastra outlined some challenges that the team aims to address, including payment control, the absence of real-time data on tourist arrivals, and the necessity for greater transparency regarding how PWA funds are utilized.

Winastra also shared that discussions are ongoing with the central government to possibly establish a third-party entity responsible for collecting the tourism levy. As part of these measures, he proposed creating agreements with airport and immigration authorities to implement a system that shares real-time arrival data. This initiative aims to improve monitoring of payments and enforce sanctions for non-compliance.

By enhancing transparency and demonstrating how traveler contributions are put to use, the Bali government hopes to build trust and encourage more visitors to comply with the tourism levy, thereby ensuring sustainable funding for the island’s environmental and cultural preservation efforts.

Conclusion

As Bali continues to recover and thrive as a tourism hotspot, the success of the Foreign Tourism Levy in 2024 sets a promising precedent for the coming years. The strategic use of collected funds in promoting cultural heritage and environmental sustainability demonstrates the island’s commitment to maintaining its appeal as a top travel destination while fostering its rich traditions and natural beauty.