DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has urged Airbnb to remove unlicensed tourism operators in Bali from its digital platform, emphasizing the need for tax compliance and proper permits.
Koster made the statement after receiving representatives of Airbnb at the Jayasabha Governor’s Residence in Denpasar on Wednesday (Feb 11, 2026).
“If they are not compliant, I hope villa operators and tourism service businesses are removed from the Airbnb digital platform list,” Koster said in a written statement released Thursday.
During the meeting, the governor also invited Airbnb to collaborate with the Bali Provincial Government’s digital platform, Love Bali, to facilitate the collection of the foreign tourist levy and support other regional tourism policies.
Koster stressed that the provincial government does not restrict individuals from operating tourism businesses, provided they comply with regulations and contribute to maintaining the quality of Bali’s tourism sector.
“If the responsibility for maintaining Bali’s tourism quality is placed only on the provincial government, regencies, cities, and local communities, it is not fair when those who profit from tourism do nothing for Bali,” he said.
He further warned of broader consequences if regulatory compliance is ignored.
“If Bali does not receive fairness, nature will find its own way to restore balance in Bali’s governance,” he added.
Koster called on Airbnb to ensure that tourism accommodations promoted on its platform are properly licensed and have fulfilled their tax obligations before being listed.
“What matters is order. I hope Airbnb requires compliance and removes those companies from its digital promotion list. For operators who remain non-compliant, we will proceed with legal action,” he said.
The governor noted that some tourists in Bali currently prefer accommodations operating without proper permits but listed under digital platforms. He said such practices harm state revenue due to unpaid taxes and may negatively affect Bali’s reputation if left unchecked.
“Remember, without Balinese culture, tourism would not exist in Bali. If Bali’s tourism does not grow sustainably, no business can survive here,” Koster stated.
Airbnb Public Policy Lead Shanta Arul expressed the company’s commitment to complying with Indonesian regulations, particularly those applicable in Bali.
“Airbnb takes licensing requirements seriously, and we are ready to cooperate with the government,” Shanta said, adding that the company would socialize regulatory requirements to its partners.
The discussion reflects ongoing efforts by Bali authorities to strengthen oversight of the accommodation sector amid rapid growth of short-term rental platforms on the island.