Bali Government Cracks Down on Crypto Payments by Foreign Tourists

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The government of Bali, Indonesia, is cracking down on the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment by foreign tourists. “Strict actions range from deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other tough sanctions,” said the governor of Bali.

Strict Penalties Imposed for Foreign Tourists Using Crypto in Bali, Warns Governor

The Bali provincial government is cracking down on the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment by foreign tourists in hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and various other establishments, according to a report from the Antara Indonesian News Agency.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said at the Bali tourism development press conference Sunday:

Foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, do activities that are not allowed in their visa permit, use crypto as a means of payment, and violate other provisions will be dealt with firmly.

“Strict actions range from deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other tough sanctions,” the governor detailed.

Koster clarified that the ban on using cryptocurrencies or any currencies other than the Indonesian rupiah as a payment method is in accordance with Law No. 7 of 2011 on Currency. Under this law, individuals who use currencies other than the rupiah may face penalties of up to one year of imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rp200 million (US$13,300).

The governor further explained that individuals engaged in foreign exchange business activities without proper authorization from Bank Indonesia, the country’s central bank, may face penalties ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of five years of imprisonment. Additionally, they may be subject to a minimum fine of Rp50 million (US$3,300) and a maximum fine of Rp22 billion (US$1.4 million).

In addition, Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 17/3/PBI/2015 establishes the requirement for the use of the Indonesian rupiah within the Indonesian territory. Koster stressed:

Violations will be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of written reprimands, obligations to pay fines, and prohibitions from payment transactions.

While crypto’s use as a payment instrument is prohibited, Trisno Nugroho, head of Bank Indonesia’s Bali province representative office, clarified that crypto as an asset is allowed.

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