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The Indonesian province of Bali has announced that tourists are prohibited from making payments using cryptocurrency, cautioning that those who violate this rule “will be dealt with firmly.”
The government aims to reduce the number of foreign tourists as a measure to address issues caused by foreigners who breach local regulations.
Foreign Tourists Who Offend Will Face Severe Penalties
Bali will take measures against foreign tourists utilizing cryptocurrency for transactions, as stated by the province’s Governor Wayan Koster during a press conference on tourism development held on Sunday, May 28. Koster indicated that violators could be subject to deportation, criminal charges, and other stringent penalties.
“Foreign tourists who act inappropriately, engage in activities not permitted by their visa, use crypto for payments, and breach other regulations will be dealt with firmly.”
The Governor of Bali emphasized that the Indonesian rupiah is the sole legal currency permitted for transactions, asserting that the use of any other currency violates Indonesian law, with offenders facing potential imprisonment of up to one year and fines reaching 200 million rupiah ($13,000).
Koster’s warning follows reports regarding the Governor’s intention to introduce a quota system to restrict the number of foreign tourists entering the province and to mitigate the influx of foreigners who disregard local laws. Bali’s tourism sector, which reached its peak in 2019, suffered a downturn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the suspension of international flights and significantly limiting foreign tourist arrivals.
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Although Bali has since reopened its borders, the province has noted an increase in disruptive behavior among tourists, which appears to be causing difficulties for both locals and the government.
Cryptocurrency is Permitted, But Not for Transactions
The Head of the Bank of Indonesia for Bali, Trisno Nugroho, stated that while cryptocurrency is permitted in the province, its use for payments is not allowed. As previously reported by CryptoPotato, the Bank of Indonesia has cautioned financial institutions against enabling cryptocurrency transactions.
Koster also mentioned that foreign exchange business activities must receive approval from Indonesia’s central bank, adding that operating without a license could result in a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of 22 billion rupiah ($1.4 million).
“Violations will incur administrative penalties in the form of written warnings, obligations to pay fines, and prohibitions on payment transactions.”
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