Bali’s Overtourism Dilemma: Can the Island Find a Solution?

A Historical Perspective on Overtourism

When André Roosevelt, a French-born American adventurer and filmmaker, set foot on the Indonesian island of Bali in 1924, he was enchanted by its beauty, dubbing it “The Last Paradise.” However, his admiration was intertwined with concern. Roosevelt foresaw the potential “destruction” of Bali due to the influx of Western tourists, advocating for a tourist tax as early as 1930 to help mitigate the inevitable challenges posed by mass tourism. Fast forward to 2024, and Bali has finally adopted a form of this suggestion—a move indicative of the ongoing struggle the island faces with managing its popularity.

Bali Today: A Double-Edged Sword

Bali has transformed into one of the world’s premier travel destinations, attracting approximately 6.33 million international visitors just last year. This figure surpasses the pre-pandemic peak of 6.28 million in 2019. Yet, the influx of tourists has led to significant challenges, with local officials grappling to balance economic benefits with the preservation of culture, environment, and public order. The provincial tourism office head, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, acknowledged that while aiming for 6.5 million visitors in 2025, the island’s infrastructure and social fabric are already under strain: “We will start to carry out law enforcement measures because, in terms of regulations, the tourism players think they are already complete. What is left to do is the implementation and synchronization.”

Efforts to Mitigate Overtourism

Recent initiatives under Governor Wayan Koster’s administration aim to address the overtourism issue. The governor announced an update to a list of rules that have been included in visitors’ passports since 2023, designed to promote respectful behavior among tourists. Rules outline appropriate dress at sacred sites, adherence to traffic laws, and penalties for littering and trespassing. A recently instituted mandatory tourist levy, approximately $9, aims to generate revenue for conservation and infrastructure improvements, yet compliance has been an ongoing issue. In 2023, only about a third of foreign visitors paid the fee, triggering calls for stricter enforcement measures.

The Role of Law Enforcement and Community Input

Local officials are keen on enhancing enforcement capabilities, with Bali’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations. The Bali Police have also committed to taking legal action against serious violations, which may include fines, imprisonment, or deportation for non-compliance. In 2023 alone, 226 foreign nationals were prosecuted for various infractions, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is treating the violation of its laws.

Additionally, local resident and Senator Niluh Djelantik has emphasized the need for tourists to understand and respect local laws, which intertwines with addressing a historical perception of corruption that has led some visitors to disregard legal boundaries in Bali. While the island has seen lax enforcement on certain prohibitive laws, authorities are beginning to crack down on violations that disrupt social harmony.

Balancing Tourism Growth with Sustainability

Bali’s tourism-driven economy accounts for 60-70% of its regional GDP, compared to about 5% for national tourism. This makes the local government’s goal of increasing international arrivals—a potential contradiction to sustainability efforts—difficult to navigate. In light of the increase in visitors, there is growing concern about the long-term viability of Bali’s tourism model. Measures like suspending new hotel construction in overdeveloped regions highlight the government’s recognition of the detrimental impacts of unregulated tourism.

While the ambitious target of 6.5 million visitors is set for 2025, many locals question whether this focus on visitor numbers equates to genuine economic prosperity. Djelantik pointedly questioned, “More tourists meaning more prosperity—prosperity for who?”

A Global Phenomenon

Bali’s challenges are not unique; similar overtourism issues are echoed globally, as seen in cities like Barcelona, where residents protested against swarming tourist numbers. The Indonesian tourism minister has warningly compared Bali’s situation to that of Barcelona, suggesting that caution is necessary to prevent local frustration from boiling over. With a 20% increase in tourist numbers in 2024 compared to the previous year, the situation requires careful management to ensure that Bali does not succumb to the pressures of mass tourism.

Conclusion

As Bali strives to thread the needle between economic growth and cultural preservation, the implementation and enforcement of regulations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the island. The combination of public cooperation, government initiative, and targeted policy measures may ultimately decide whether Bali can continue to thrive as a tourist destination, while safeguarding its identity and environment for generations to come.