SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, highlighted the progress of quality tourism in Bali. His focus is on preserving Balinese culture by addressing the behavior of unruly foreign nationals.

This initiative involves several government bodies, including immigration and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

"We have begun to enforce stricter regulations, consolidating efforts with Pak Sandiaga Uno," said Luhut, as quoted by Antaranews. He expressed that Bali's cultural value should not be compromised, emphasizing that disruptive tourists are not welcome. "Bali is famous for its culture, and we can't afford to lose that," he added.

The government has been responding to numerous complaints from locals regarding foreign visitors. During the first eight months of 2024, a total of 351 foreign nationals faced administrative immigration actions, with 157 deported and 194 awaiting deportation. Most offenders came from Russia, Nigeria, and China, violating stay permits or engaging in criminal activities.

Luhut reassured that taking firm action against problematic tourists will not harm Bali’s tourism growth. Instead, it will attract tourists who respect local regulations, strengthening Bali's image as a quality destination. "Losing 5,000 troublesome tourists is no big deal if it means attracting higher-quality visitors," he said confidently.

With this policy, Luhut believes Indonesia will see a significant boost in economic growth as tourists who value the rules choose Bali as their destination. The aim is clear: a better experience for both tourists and locals in Bali.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi