Bali’s Bold Move: How Checking Tourists’ Bank Balances Aims to Transform the Island’s Tourism Landscape

Bali Proposes Bank Balance Disclosure for Tourists to Promote Quality Tourism

Bali, Indonesia — In an effort to foster "quality tourism" and deter low-spending visitors, Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, has proposed a new regulation requiring foreign tourists to disclose their bank balances for the past three months. The initiative is part of Bali’s Draft Regional Regulation on Quality Tourism Management, which is nearing completion in the island’s legislature.

Governor Koster explained that assessing tourists’ recent financial status would help ensure that visitors are able to contribute economically during their stay. Alongside this financial disclosure, tourists would also be required to submit their itineraries, including the duration of their stay and planned activities.

The governor indicated that these measures aim to bring Bali’s tourism management in line with regulations tourists often face abroad, such as proof of funds and detailed travel plans required by many European countries, the United States, and Australia. "This is to ensure everything is under control, just like when we travel to other countries," he said.

Bali has been grappling with balancing a surge in visitor numbers with efforts to improve the quality of its tourism sector. Officials hope that setting financial criteria for entry will curb the influx of low-spending tourists and encourage visits from travelers who will invest more into the local economy.

However, the proposal faces both legal and practical challenges in enforcement, which will need to be addressed before the regulation can be fully implemented. The tourism industry and potential foreign visitors are awaiting further details as the draft regulation progresses through legislative review.

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