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Bali Governor Koster has made a series of announcements that will have a huge impact on tourists visiting Bali in many ways.
On Sunday, May 28, Governor Koster officially banned the use of cryptocurrencies by foreigners in Bali and announced new changes to how tourists can rent vehicles and report complaints.
While cryptocurrencies are booming and becoming more and more widely accepted, especially in the digital nomad centers and emerging economies like Costa Rica, Bali officials say it is illegal to use digital currencies for payments on the island. I said yes.
During a press conference on sunday nightGovernor Koster has announced a crackdown on foreigners using cryptocurrencies to make payments on the island.
This is a blanket ban, meaning tourists and foreign investors cannot use cryptocurrencies as a means of payment for tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, shops or any kind of goods or services. increase.
Governor Koster said, “We will not tolerate foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, engage in activities not permitted by visa permits, use virtual currency as a means of payment, or otherwise violate regulations. We will deal with it as such,” he said.
It’s not just cryptocurrencies that Governor Koster hopes will take a firmer line, but foreigners doing business without the proper permits, visas and business licenses as well.
The issues presented by Governor Koster are often synonymous with each other.
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“Strict measures against those caught violating Indonesian financial and immigration laws range from deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, business closures and other severe sanctions,” Koster told reporters. I told you.
He added, “If you violate the obligation to use rupiah, you will be subject to administrative sanctions such as written warning, obligation to pay fines and prohibition from participating in payment traffic.”
The press conference was also attended by a number of key officials from Bali, including Chief Inspector General of Bali Police General Putu Jayan Danu Putra and Bank Indonesia President Trisno Nugroho.
Nugroho acknowledged that while cryptocurrencies are legal in the form of assets in Indonesia, they are banned as a method of payment and transaction.
“Bank Indonesia will not hesitate to impose sanctions on parties found to be using non-cash payment instruments other than rupiah, including the use of digital assets in the form of cryptocurrencies,” he added. explained.
Governor Koster went on to articulate the law regarding foreign business exchanges. Whether you are a tourist, digital nomad, expatriate, potential investor or business owner in Indonesia, the details are worth remembering.
Mr Coster said:[those] Anyone who conducts foreign exchange business without permission from Bank Indonesia can be fined for a minimum of one year, a maximum of five years, a minimum of Rp50 million (US$3,300) and a maximum fine of Rp22 billion (US$1.4 million). ). “
For most tourists, the announcement of a formal ban or crackdown on cryptocurrencies may be of little interest.
However, what this particular announcement emphasizes is that How seriously and quickly the Bali provincial government is working to change the law To ensure that the acceleration of Bali tourism governance is fully implemented.
Last week, Director General of the Bali Tourism Board Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun announced that a second specialized unit had been dispatched to Bali to help crack down on foreigners who break the law and disrespect the island’s cultural norms.
In announcing the Task Force on Accelerating the Implementation of Tourism Governance, Prime Minister Pemayun told reporters, “This task force not only supervises foreigners and tourists, but also supervises and manages all tourism activities and tourism-related security. there is,” he said. ”
The task force will probably focus more directly on ill-mannered tourists, but the aim is to help tourism operators across the island to help tourists have a polite, enjoyable and fulfilling trip. It’s about making sure you can do your part to give you access to the information and resources you need. Please stay on the island.
