Indonesian government 'mulls tourist tax' for Bali visitors

The Indonesian government is pondering a potential "tourist tax" on visitors to Bali as the number of arrivals continues to swell.

Tourists would pay up to $150 to enter the popular holiday destination, the Australian Financial Review has reported.

Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno told media this week that the proposal was under discussion by the government and President Joko Widodo.

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Bali Tourism Board chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana said the tax would stop Bali being seen as a "cheap" destination.

But critics of the proposal say what's needed is better enforcement of existing laws in order to keep rule-breaking tourists under control.

International visitors on tourist visas aren't allowed to try to make money in Indonesia, but some act as impromptu tour guides or motorbike renters to their co-nationals, according to Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association vice-chairman Komang Artana.

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The proposal comes as Indonesia continues to crack down on poorly behaved tourists.

As of mid-April, the Indonesian government had deported 93 foreigners from Bali, mostly due to visa or permit violations.

Russians formed the biggest contingent, with 24 visitors sent home, followed by Nigeria with seven, and then the US and Australia with six.

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The AFR has reported that the number of deportees for 2023 so far has by now risen to 101, still with just six Australians among them.

Visitor numbers to Bali have also been swelled by people fleeing the ongoing war in Europe.

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