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Popular Indonesian tourist island Bali will tighten payment rules to make it harder for foreign tourists to pay with crypto.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Bali’s governor, Wayne Koster, indicated that the tighter rules on payments were part of a wider crackdown on unfair treatment by tourists on the island.
The governor said, “Foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, do activities that are not permitted in their visa permits, use crypto as a means of payment and violate other provisions, will be dealt with firmly. ” reports From Channel News Asia.
The press meeting, which was also attended by Chief Inspector General of Bali Police Putu Jayan Danu Putra and other officials, discussed various enforcement measures to be taken.
Governor Koster reminded everyone that the use of currencies other than the Indonesian Rupiah as payment is strictly prohibited in the country.
Actions to be implemented to stop the alleged problem include deportation, administrative penalties, criminal charges, closure of businesses and other severe sanctions, the governor said.
It was also noted that violators could face up to one year in prison under Indonesian law and a maximum fine of 200 million Indonesian rupiah (US$13,300).
Bank Indonesia’s Bali representative office, Trisno Nugroho, reiterated that while cryptocurrency itself is legal in Indonesia, its use as a means of payment is restricted.
Engaging in foreign exchange trading activities without the permission of the central bank can lead to imprisonment of one year to five years, along with a fine of 50 million rupees to 22 billion rupees.
According to officials, the action is necessary to ensure compliance with local regulations and protect the stability of the country’s financial system.
Bali’s governor’s statement also became a topic of discussion on Twitter, where some people pointed out that if even China cannot ban crypto, no country will be able to do the same.
