The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has visited Jakarta to meet with ministers from the central government to discuss various issues, including flood relief and the Bali Tourism Tax Levy.
Governor Koster is hopeful that changes can be implemented to make payments easier for tourists.
The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, met the Indonesian Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yuzril Ihsa Mahendra, earlier this week in Jakarta.
During this meeting, Governor Koster proposed a new solution for improving the payment system for the Bali Tourism Tax Levy and asked for support regarding the optimization of the system for both the front and back end.
Governor Koster is proposing that the Bail Tourism Tax Levy be collected by Indonesian Immigration and is integrated within the visa application system. A solution that leaders in Bali have long suggested since the tax was introduced in February 2024.
At present, tourists arriving in Bali must go through three separate online systems to obtain their pre-arrival travel documents and paperwork.
This is the eVisa website, followed by the LoveBali website, or both for Bali Tourism Tax Levy payment. Three days before arrival, passengers must download the All Indonesia application to complete the full arrival card process, which includes customs declarations.
Minister Mahendra has given his backing to the idea, and also gave his support to Governor Koster’s proposal to utilize the next round of Bali Tourism Tax Levy funding to support the island’s rivers.
A statement issued by the Bali Governor’s Office explains, “We are present in Jakarta to meet Mr. Coordinating Minister Kumham Imipas to ask for support for the optimization of Foreign Tourist Collection (PWA) through Immigration. He is very supportive, he will hold a [coordination meeting] to follow up on the Bali Provincial Government’s proposal.”
Work is already underway to create more payment points for the Bali Tourism Tax Levy within Bali. While tourists are encouraged to make payment prior to arrival, the policy states that all international tourists must pay their contribution prior to departure from the island. The Bali Tourism Tax Levy is a mandatory fee of IDR 150,000.
The Bali Provincial Government is going to be working with the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (Asita) to bring together local travel agencies and tour operators to act as payment points for tourists. Speaking to reporters in August 2025, the Chairman of the Bali Asita Bali, I Putu Winastra, told reporters that 354 travel agents are registered with the association, and all of them are expected to register to be part of the program.
He shared, “There are 354, and we hope they will all join, because the government’s goal is good for Bali’s natural environment, so it must be fully supported.” Winastra confirmed that he and his teams at Asita were committed to honouring the Governor’s call for support to get more tourists to pay their tax.
While it is a mandatory fee, during the first 12 months the policy was in effect, less than 35% of all international tourists made their payment, meaning the Bali Provincial Government had far less tax revenue to work with than initial forecasts and budgets stated.
Winastra said that Asita was working to make it easy for travel agents to sign up and benefit from supporting the tax scheme. All businesses that become payment points for the Bali Tourism Tax Levy will receive a 3% commission fee.
Winastra stated, “After the outreach with the governor, we immediately distributed the link they should use to register. So, we’re working hand in hand with the government to support this program.”
For now, the best place for tourists to pay their Bali Tourism Tax Levy fee is via the LoveBali website or the app of the same name, available on both Apple and Android.
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