Bali's Nusa Penida Sees Mass Tourist Cancellations Over New Rp 25K Per-Destination Fee

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Bali's Nusa Penida Sees Mass Tourist Cancellations Over New Rp 25K Per-Destination Fee

A viral social media post by a Bali driver has sparked widespread discussion after revealing that a group of tourists cancelled their trip to Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, due to a newly imposed retribution fee of Rp 25,000 (approx. US$1.60) per person per destination.

The group of 47 travellers had originally planned to visit four destinations across Nusa Penida. Despite having already paid a deposit for their tour package, they were hit with an additional charge totalling approximately Rp 4.7 million (around US$300) under the new levy scheme.

The tourists cancelled their visit and demanded a refund, expressing frustration over the sudden policy change. The post quickly drew heated reactions from Indonesian netizens.

Many online commentators criticised the government for implementing the additional fee without first addressing the island's notoriously poor road infrastructure.

Tourism Office: Levy Is Mandated by Regional Regulation

Responding to the backlash, Klungkung Regency Tourism Office Head I Gusti Agung Gede Putra Mahajaya confirmed that the matter has been discussed internally. He explained that the destination-based levy stems from Klungkung Regional Regulation No. 4 of 2026 on local taxes and retributions.

"This regulation was jointly deliberated and enacted by the legislative and executive branches. It covers not only retribution fees but also taxes, serving as an enhancement to Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2023," Mahajaya stated on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

Regarding the cancellations, Mahajaya noted that it is natural for any new regulation to face both support and opposition during its initial implementation phase. He added that the government will use this feedback for evaluation and improvement.

The regulation officially took effect on 1 August 2026, with a socialisation phase running from 1 to 12 August. During this period, authorities have committed to gathering public input.

"The pros and cons will serve as material for our evaluation. But as I've said, this is a regulation we must implement," he emphasised.

Hotel & Restaurant Association: Numerous Cancellations Confirmed

Meanwhile, Klungkung PHRI (Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association) Chairman I Putu Darmaya confirmed receiving multiple reports of declining daily bookings to Nusa Penida since the new One Gate One Destination (OGOD) scheme came into force.

"That's correct. There have been many complaints and cancellations due to the new rule charging Rp 25,000 per person for each destination. The core issue isn't the fee itself — it's that the government needs to recognise that infrastructure, especially the roads, is nowhere near adequate. We have almost no justification for asking guests to pay extra on top of the all-inclusive prices they already agreed to," Darmaya told detikBali on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

Darmaya noted that his association has been helping the local government socialise the new policy among tourism businesses. However, after gathering just a few dozen stakeholders, rejection and threats began pouring in.

"I gathered only 16 drivers, and every single one complained and said they planned to cancel trips to those destinations. This is a real threat to us. That's why we, together with tourism operators, intend to request an official hearing so the government can understand the situation on the ground," he explained.

Infrastructure Must Come First

Beyond road conditions, PHRI also questioned the management standards at each destination, which remain far below acceptable levels. Any additional levy under these circumstances, they argue, will inevitably trigger strong pushback from visitors.

Darmaya believes the government should first fix Nusa Penida's entry system, which remains problematic. Beyond maximising revenue from main entry points, the association is also demanding full transparency on how the retribution funds are allocated and spent.

"At the end of the day, let the infrastructure speak for itself. Fix the roads. Once they're in good condition, we have a valid reason to tell guests why prices need to go up. But as long as conditions remain like this, we're embarrassed and have no justification to offer visitors," he concluded.