Pointers at Glance
- Bali governor announces Bali regulations, including the crackdown on illegal work and restriction on motorbike rentals for foreign visitors.
- Self-described influencers deported for YouTube stunt involving fake blue face mask, as Bali continues to be a popular destination for tourists amid pandemic and new controversial laws on cohabitation and sexual activity.
The Indonesian island of Bali, also known as the “island of the gods,” is planning to implement new regulations that could impact the experience of foreign visitors. In a press conference on March 12th, Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced the government’s intention to clamp down on foreign visitors working illegally on the island, including digital nomads.
New Bali Regulations
As part of the Bali regulations, tourists will no longer be permitted to rent motorbikes, a popular mode of transportation on the island. They will be restricted from using cars for travel around Bali. Governor Koster emphasized that the crackdown will focus on foreigners who ride motorcycles without:
- proper documentation and helmets
- drive recklessly
- use counterfeit Indonesian ID cards
- abuse their residency and work permits.
Bali, a primarily Hindu island in a predominantly Muslim country, has long been a favored destination for backpackers and beach enthusiasts. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions between locals and tourists escalated.
In addition to the crackdown on illegal work and the restriction on motorbike rentals, a new set of Bali regulations was announced in December by the Indonesian government in Jakarta, making it illegal for unmarried couples to cohabit or engage in sexual activity. However, Governor Koster stated that these laws would not apply to foreign visitors or residents.
Self-Described Influencers Faced Trouble
Josh Paler Lin and Leia “Lisha” Se, two self-described influencers and content creators, faced trouble with Balinese authorities after one of them painted a fake blue face mask on the other as part of a YouTube stunt.
The video went viral but drew criticism from both locals and foreigners. The pair released an apology video in April 2021 but were deported to their home countries.
During a recent speech, Governor Koster attributed the slowdown of progress on the heavily tourism-dependent island to the pandemic. Bali reopened to vaccinated tourists from 19 countries, including China, France, and New Zealand, in October 2021. At present, citizens of 86 countries are eligible for visas upon arrival in Bali.
