Bali’s regional legislative council has called on Governor Wayan Koster to prioritize cooperation with local businesses in implementing the foreign tourist levy (PWA), urging that the economic benefits not be monopolized by national players.
The recommendation was delivered by Golkar Party legislator Ni Putu Yuli Artini during a plenary session at the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, as part of Golkar’s general remarks on a proposed revision to Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2023.
“We urge the Governor to prioritize collaboration with Bali’s local entrepreneurs, with the hope that they can grow stronger and more competitive,” said Yuli.
Local Entrepreneurs ‘Spectators in Their Own Home’
Golkar criticized the current system, arguing that local businesses have been sidelined in their own province, while many fee-related partnerships—such as airport parking charges and toll gates—have gone to national companies.
“Local business owners are merely spectators in their own home,” Yuli said.
She suggested that such partnerships could be formalized through cooperation agreements and emphasized the importance of integrity in the process. “And they must be free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism,” she added.
Call for Transparency and Responsible Use of Funds
Golkar also called on the Bali provincial government to ensure that revenues from the PWA are used as originally intended—namely, for the improvement of tourism sites and the preservation of Bali’s environment and cultural heritage.
In addition, the party urged authorities to maintain tourist safety and comfort, proposing that public order officers (Satpol PP) conduct regular patrols at major tourist destinations.
To improve visitor convenience, Yuli encouraged coordination between the governor, immigration, and customs offices to integrate the PWA barcode with existing systems, making it easier for tourists to fill out forms.
Koster Admits Shortcomings, Eyes May Rollout for Improvements
Governor Koster has previously acknowledged that the implementation of the levy remains suboptimal due to incomplete provisions in the existing regulation. He cited third-party cooperation as one area in need of improvement.
Despite the shortcomings, Koster noted that the PWA generated Rp 318 billion in 2024. He pledged to accelerate revisions to the regulation so the system could operate more effectively starting in May or, at the latest, June.
Village Funds and Cultural Preservation Programs
The governor said PWA funds will support a range of programs, including allocations to traditional villages (desa adat), with each of Bali’s 1.500 desa adat set to receive Rp 300 million. The provincial government also plans to fund the Majelis Desa Adat (MDA), though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.
Starting in 2026, the province aims to boost funding by an additional Rp 50 million each for desa adat and for subak, the traditional irrigation system.
“These programs will concretely support cultural and environmental preservation efforts in our traditional villages,” Koster said.
