Indonesia Introduces New Measures to Curb Bali's Growing Overtourism

Indonesian officials are developing new regulations aimed at managing the surge in tourism in Bali. To tackle the risks associated with overtourism, local tourism businesses are looking at global strategies for guidance.

South Bali is approaching a critical point due to increasing tourist numbers, a situation similar to other famous destinations worldwide. These locations provide valuable lessons that Bali can draw upon.

For instance, in Belgium, the city of Bruges has recently enforced limits on short-term vacation rentals in its historic center. Additionally, the city has stopped new hotel developments. These actions are part of an effort to manage visitor numbers and prevent future issues.

In 2023, Bruges hosted over 8.2 million tourists, despite its small population of 120,000. Bali faces a similar scenario as the number of tourists continues to grow rapidly.

Addressing Community Concerns

Bruges' Mayor, Dirk De Fauw, expressed that local residents are increasingly concerned about the rise in tourists. He warned that without proper control, tourism could lead to significant problems. Bali's residents share these concerns, particularly regarding the frequent traffic congestion caused by the influx of visitors.

Unlike Bali, which primarily attracts resort tourists, Bruges is a major draw for day visitors. Mayor De Fauw mentioned he is hesitant to impose a tax on these day visitors but remains open to considering such measures if necessary.

Even though Bruges does not plan to restrict tourist access as cities like Dubrovnik or Venice have done, the city still faces challenges related to its infrastructure and local community. Sustainable tourism management is essential to preserving Bruges' cultural identity while ensuring the city remains vibrant. Bali's leaders are similarly seeking solutions that balance tourism growth with the well-being of local communities.

Recently, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism confirmed that new legislation is being drafted. This legislation will prevent the conversion of community-owned and agricultural lands in Bali into tourism properties.

In February 2024, Bali introduced a tourism tax, but enforcement has proven difficult. About 60% of international visitors have not paid the tax. The Bali Tourism Office is now conducting spot checks to ensure compliance. The funds collected from this tax will be used to support the preservation of Bali’s culture, environment, and infrastructure.

Last month, Minister Uno pointed to the anti-tourism protests in Barcelona as a warning for Bali. He stressed that Bali must take proactive steps to avoid similar dissatisfaction among its residents. While recognizing the economic importance of tourism to Bali, he also emphasized that local unrest could have severe consequences.

Minister Uno is also promoting lesser-known regions of Bali to distribute tourism more evenly across the island. He is encouraging tourists to explore resorts in the north and west and is working to improve transportation links throughout Bali.

Additionally, the central government has backed the construction of a toll road through Bali’s central region, which is seen as part of a broader effort toward sustainable tourism.

Indonesia has also recently signed agreements with several African nations to explore sustainable tourism models. As more cities around the world tackle overtourism, Bali is expected to consider these approaches in its efforts to manage tourism sustainably.