DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Bali Deputy Speaker of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Ida Gede Komang (IGK) Kresna Budi, has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the province’s foreign tourist levy system, including an integrated one-stop gateway outside I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, with a proposed fee of around Rp1 million per visitor covering insurance protection and access to healthcare services.
The proposal was raised during a discussion with Bali Governor Wayan Koster on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Kresna Budi said the system should provide clearer benefits for international visitors while improving tourism services and reducing the burden of repeated entrance fees at individual destinations.
He argued that foreign tourists should receive tangible benefits in return for the fees they pay, particularly in terms of personal safety, health insurance, accident coverage, and convenient access to healthcare facilities.
“We hope foreign tourists’ questions can be answered: what do they receive during their visit to Bali? The main priorities are personal safety, health insurance, accident insurance, and no longer having to deal with repeated payments at every destination,” Kresna Budi said.
He also expressed support for Koster’s proposed One Island, One Management concept, which aims to establish a more integrated approach to tourism management across Bali.
Under Kresna Budi’s proposal, the integrated payment system would charge approximately Rp1 million per foreign tourist. The proposed package would include insurance coverage and access to adequate healthcare facilities, including Bali Mandara Hospital and international-standard hospitals in Bali. The details of the coverage and payment mechanism would need to be established through further policy planning.
Proposed Gateway Near the Airport
To implement the concept, Kresna Budi suggested establishing a dedicated stopover facility using a toll-gate-style system near the Patung Kuda area, after visitors leave I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The proposed facility would serve as a centralized point for tourist levy payments and visitor services. It would also be designed to accommodate dozens of vehicles in an orderly manner, potentially helping ease traffic congestion along roads leading out of the airport.
Kresna Budi stressed that the gateway should function as more than a collection point. He envisioned it as a welcoming destination where visitors could experience Balinese hospitality and culture from the beginning of their stay.
“Tourists could be welcomed with flower garlands, traditional performances such as the Pendet dance, and welcome drinks. Our artists could find regular work and earn daily income while helping preserve Balinese culture. When tourists leave, they could also receive Barong-themed clothing souvenirs to support our MSMEs,” he explained.
According to him, the concept could create additional economic opportunities for local artists, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and other businesses supporting the tourism industry.
Calls for Transparent Revenue Distribution
Kresna Budi also emphasized the importance of transparent and proportional revenue distribution. He said funds collected and managed by the provincial government should be allocated fairly to regencies and municipalities to support improvements in tourism facilities and service quality.
He further argued that the Bali Provincial Tourism Office should receive an adequate budget to reflect the strategic importance of tourism to the regional economy. Such funding, he said, would support tourism promotion, industry development, and oversight as Bali continues to position itself as a world-class destination.
Kresna Budi believes that improvements in hospitality and visitor services should be treated as an investment in Bali’s reputation and tourism brand.
“I am confident that both the regional government and the council agree that improving hospitality is an investment in our reputation and brand. If service quality improves, visitor numbers will increase, regional revenue will grow, and the wages and welfare of tourism workers in Bali will also improve,” he said.
He concluded that foreign tourist levy policies should not focus solely on increasing regional revenue but must also deliver tangible benefits to visitors and local communities.
“The benefits of tourism must favor local communities. Local businesses should be prioritized, while the sustainability of Bali’s tourism industry must be protected for the future,” Kresna Budi said.
The proposal remains an idea put forward by Kresna Budi and would require further assessment and policy decisions before implementation.
