Koster Assures No Corruption in Foreign Tourist Levy: Payments Are Digital
The Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA) imposed by the Bali Provincial Government is assured to run transparently and free from corruption. Bali Governor Wayan Koster also confirmed this while promoting a new funding scheme amid limitations in Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD).
“We only have a regional budget with very small PAD; the sources are the same old ones, vehicle ownership tax, luxury goods sales tax on motor vehicles. If we keep pushing that, there will be more cars and more traffic jams. That’s not a positive aspiration; we need another scheme,” Koster said at the Ksirarnawa Art Centre in Denpasar on Thursday (26/3/2026).
Koster also revealed that regional revenue remains very limited and still depends on certain sectors, including vehicle taxes. In this situation, the PWA becomes one of the important steps by the Bali Provincial Government in supporting the protection of Bali’s nature and culture.
Since it was implemented on 14 February 2024, the number of tourists who have paid has reached 2.1 million people or 32 per cent of the total 6.3 million tourist visits to Bali. As a result, the Bali Provincial Government obtained Rp 318 billion, increasing to Rp 369 billion in 2025.
This amount was obtained from 2.4 million people or 35 per cent of the total 7 million tourists arriving in Bali. Nevertheless, Koster said it is still not optimal. “This is not yet optimal, but I assure you there is no corruption. Because the payment is digital,” he explained.
Regarding allegations of PWA management irregularities on social media that directly impact a decline in the number of tourists paying the levy. “The impact is immediately felt; the number paying PWA has decreased in the last three months,” he complained.
“This must be explained to the public to counter the negative news. Don’t let us be influenced by it,” Koster added.
Koster acknowledged that the PWA is good news for the Bali Provincial Government, even though the revenue is not yet optimal, but he said it should not be questioned; it must still be appreciated, especially if suspected.
Despite obstacles, particularly from regulations that limit the optimisation of the levy, especially provisions in the law that are still optional, not mandatory. Even regarding support, Koster said there is little support.
However, the man from Buleleng assured that improvements and coordination with the Minister of Law and Human Rights, the Ministry of Immigration, up to BPKP are continuously being carried out. Acceleration schemes are also being pursued, including audiences with the central government to find the best solutions so that it can run optimally.
“We can’t rush, because the authority lies with other agencies. But we continue our efforts,” he explained. He also asked all his subordinates to remain focused on working and not get trapped in public polemics.
“Our task is to work, work, work. Don’t waste time dealing with social media. It is hoped that the PWA can increase and become a strategic funding source in maintaining the sustainability of Bali’s development,” Koster concluded.