Bali Governor Issues New Policies Impacting International Tourists

DENPASAR, BALI – In a move aimed at strengthening the island’s tourism sector, Bali Governor Wayan Koster has announced significant updates to policies affecting international tourists visiting Bali. Signed on March 24, 2025, the new policy, documented in “Circular Letter (SE) No. 07 of 2025,” builds upon regulations established earlier during Koster’s first term in office.

A Focus on Quality and Respect

Upon beginning his second term, Governor Koster expressed a commitment to refining tourism policies to enhance the overall quality of the tourist experience on the island. “Several aspects needed refinement due to the dynamics that have occurred over the past one and a half years,” he stated at a media briefing in Denpasar.

The governor emphasized the importance of ensuring that visitors respect local customs and traditions. He remarked, "This [circular letter] is not just an appeal but will be enforced through integrated supervision involving the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and tourism institutions in Bali." To enforce these new guidelines effectively, a special team will be created to oversee compliance and to respond to violations.

Koster warned that foreign tourists found breaching these new regulations will face "strict consequences," highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance policy for disregard of local laws and customs.

Key Regulations for Tourists

SE No. 07 of 2025 elaborates on a revised list of Do’s and Don’ts for foreign visitors. Among the key provisions, tourists are now expected to:

• Honor Sacred Sites: Show respect for temples and religious symbols, and dress appropriately when visiting.
• Culture Sensitivity: Acknowledge local customs and traditions during ceremonial and ritual activities.
• Electronic Payments: Pay the foreign tourist levy via an online platform.
• Guided Tours: Be accompanied by a licensed tour guide in tourist locations.
• Authorized Currency Exchange: Only exchange currency at approved locations.
• Traffic Compliance: Follow traffic laws and carry a valid driver’s license.

Additionally, tourists are prohibited from:

• Entering sacred areas without permission, unless for prayer, while dressed in traditional Balinese clothing.
• Engaging in disrespectful behavior at sacred sites or littering.
• Using offensive language, behaving aggressively, or sharing hate speech on social media.
• Working or conducting business without the necessary permits.

The governor highlighted the importance of tourists understanding and complying with these policies, insisting that respect for Balinese culture is paramount, especially with the upcoming celebrations for Nyepi, the Day of Silence on March 29, 2025. ## Reporting Violations

In a bid to encourage community involvement, Governor Koster invited the public to report violations via a dedicated WhatsApp hotline. The Bali Satpol PP and local police will be working closely to ensure compliance with the new rules and to take firm action against offenders.

As Bali’s tourism continues to flourish, these policy updates reflect the government’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage while accommodating the growing number of international visitors. Governor Koster concluded his remarks by urging all stakeholders to understand and promote these new regulations to enhance Bali’s appeal as a respectful and welcoming tourist destination.

For more updates on travel guidelines and regulations, tourists can refer to local news outlets and official government announcements.

Tags: Local News, Tourism, Bali Policies
Published: March 24, 2025
Source: The Bali Sun