DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has confirmed that there has been no misuse of funds collected from the foreign tourist levy (PWA), emphasizing that the system is fully digital and directly managed within the regional treasury.
Speaking in Denpasar on Wednesday (March 25), Koster explained that the levy, set at IDR 150 per visitor and implemented since February 14, 2024, is processed through a digital system designed to ensure transparency and accountability.
“It is not handled conventionally. The funds go directly into the regional treasury through a digital system, so there is no opportunity for misuse,” he said.
According to official data, revenue from the tourist levy reached more than IDR 369 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase compared to IDR 218 billion collected in 2024, the first year of implementation.
Koster also stated that the allocation of the funds has followed all applicable laws and regional regulations, with no deviations reported.
He encouraged stakeholders to focus on improving the effectiveness of the levy through coordination with the central government, rather than raising unfounded concerns.
“There is no issue. There is no misuse. It is not possible under this system,” he stressed.
The governor added that the introduction of the foreign tourist levy has contributed positively to Bali’s regional revenue, as no similar income source existed prior to its implementation.
The policy is part of Bali’s broader effort to support sustainable tourism funding, particularly in managing infrastructure, culture, and environmental preservation across the island.