Bali's provincial government seeks ban on new hotels, villas, clubs

There have also been instances when permits have allowed foreign nationals to take up local jobs, said the report, adding that within two years, the government plans to reorganize Bali tourism.

The Acting Governor of Bali’s provincial government has proposed to the Centre a moratorium on construction of new hotels, villas and beach clubs, to slow down tourism-related development project as well as overcrowding in the island, according to news agency Antara.

The proposed moratorium is not just on the development of tourism accommodation, but also on conversion of rice fields into commercial land, said the report quoting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, published recently. The proposal said the aim is to encourage quality Balinese tourism.

The provincial government of Bali is seeking a presidential order to bring out the required moratorium, said the news report.

There have also been instances when permits have allowed foreign nationals to take up local jobs, said the report, adding that within two years, the government plans to reorganize Bali tourism.

Tourism is the primary economic growth driver of Bali, with predominant jobs in services based industries, especially towards tourism and hospitality. In 2019, Bali accounted for just under a fifth of Indonesia's accommodation rooms in the entire country.

The Indonesian government has been working to develop the 'Bali experiences' on many other islands to bring in visitors, especially from China this year. The island of Labuan Bajo, home to Comodo dragons, and Borobudur temple are among the destinations on government's tourism development plan.

The country may consider visa waivers for more countries in October, Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno had said in the recent past, possibly including 20 more nations, including China and India. Indonesia has been facing competition from Thailand and Singapore in attracting tourists on shorter visits.