Indonesia Audits Bali Tourism, Adds Health Pass

Indonesia plans a comprehensive audit to reform Bali's tourism sector, aiming to enhance tourism quality and preserve local culture and jobs. The initiative, announced by senior minister Luhut Pandjaitan, is a response to issues caused by the approximately 200,000 foreigners living in Bali, such as crime, over-development, and competition for employment. The government plans to deport problematic tourists and has introduced a $10 tourist tax to preserve the island's cultural integrity and mitigate unruly behavior. Additionally, measures to tackle trash problems, improve infrastructure, and prevent over-development are underway. In light of public health concerns, all foreign travelers to Bali must now complete the SatuSehat Health Pass to monitor the spread of Mpox. The changes come amid a significant surge in tourism post-COVID, with 2.9 million foreign visitors recorded in the first half of the year.