For years, the imposition of monetary contributions by foreign tourists in Bali has been a subject of debates and controversy. The rationale of foreign tourist contributions is that they facilitate the preservation of Bali’s natural and cultural heritage. The recent enactment of the Bali Provincial Regulation No. 1 Year 2020 concerning Tourist Contributions for the Protection of the Natural Environment and Culture of Bali (the Provincial Regulation) seemingly solves the issue. However, a closer look suggests that the Provincial Regulation lacks a convincing legal concept of voluntary tourist contributions. This paper analyses the con- tent, process, and expectation of the creation of the above- mentioned Provincial Regulation, with reference to Indonesian laws and regulations, and reports conclusions drawn from meetings and interviews with relevant authorities. It is argued that, instead of providing specific regulations of the collection and management of voluntary contributions, the Provincial Regulation delegates the Governor to determine these matters through executive order. Undoubtedly, this dissociates with stakeholder expectations related to the preservation of Bali’s natural and cultural riches and the improvement of tourist facilities and services in Bali. Finally, the paper addresses the issue of implementing the Regulation in the light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism.

Corresponding author

Corresponding author. I Made Budi Arsika: budi_arsika@unud.ac.id

Copyright

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