Do not facilitate foreign tourists’ improper activities: Bali Governor

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Bali Governor Wayan Koster has appealed to local residents to not facilitate foreign tourists to commit activities that violate regulations and applicable laws."Bali residents are prohibited from facilitating foreign tourists who wish to commit activities that are inconsistent with their visa permits or the provisions of law," Koster said here Sunday. Residents who are not members of trade agencies or transportation renting associations are not allowed to provide two-wheeled vehicle rent services to foreign tourists, he added. The governor stressed his directives in response to the rampant activities of foreign tourists that are improper in nature, and are inconsistent with their visa permits. Such activities, he said, include not wearing appropriate attire and behaving improperly when visiting holy places, tourist attractions, public places, restaurants, trade centers, roads, and other public spaces. "Furthermore, foreign tourists are also prohibited from working or running businesses without wielding official documents issued by the authority," he noted. He also drew attention to the recent report regarding foreign tourists allegedly using cryptocurrenciesas a means of payment. With this regard, Koster reiterated that rupiah is the only acceptable and lawful means of payment. "Bali residents are obliged to report on foreign tourists' activities that are inappropriate and inconsistent with their visa permits to local police, immigration office, the Public Order Security Agency (Satpol PP), pecalang(Balinesecustomary security guard)and tourism office," Koster remarked. Furthermore, the governor also appealed to tourism business actors to jointly maintain the good reputation and image of the Island of Gods in the efforts to realize a high-quality and dignified culture-based tourism. Koster also noted that the provincial government, along with the Regional Police and Bali's Law and Human Rights Regional Office have been working in synergy to take firm action against tourists who violate rules by deporting them and imposing legal sanctions. On the indication of transaction using cryptocurrencies, Bali Police Head Inspector Gen. Putu Jayan Danu Putra affirmed that the police has investigated the case.

Source: Antara News Agency