"We are very serious about quality and sustainable tourism," he said on Monday (5/2/2024). Minister Sandiaga explained that the tax would be utilized to address waste management issues in Bali, preserve Balinese culture, and uphold traditional customs, antaranews.com reported. He explained that tourists would only be charged the fee once during their visit to Indonesia, specifically when traveling to Bali via various modes of transportation. "They (tourists) enter Bali, leave, then return to Bali, and no (additional payment)," Minister Sandiaga said. He emphasized that the tax policy does not apply to foreign nationals holding temporary and permanent residency permit (KITAS/KITAP), holders of diplomatic and official visa, ship crew, family reunification visa holders, student visa holders, golden visa holders, and specific non-tourist visa holders. Regarding foreign tourists transiting in Bali to visit other provinces, Minister Sandiaga suggested a special approach as these tourists do not engage in tourism activities in Bali. "This might need special exploration because this new policy will be implemented on February 14. There will undoubtedly be findings and adjustments later," he said. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued last month a decree facilitating the foreign tourist' levies by the Bali administration. Previously, Minister Sandiaga has explained that foreign tourists visiting Indonesia have not been particularly concerned about costs as they generally belong to the middle to upper-middle segment of tourist (mg/inp/pr/nm)