Leaders in Nusa Penida have confirmed that they will be introducing a new e-ticketing and tax levy system on the island.
The Nusa Penida tourism tax levy has been in effect for years and is an additional fee to the Bali Tourism Tax Levy.
The new e-ticking system will make it easier for tourists to make payments.
Speaking to reporters about the system that will soon be introduced, the Chairman of Commission III DPRD Klungkung I Nengah Ary Priadnya explained that, in general, council members are very supportive of the implementation of electronic-based levies in Nusa Penida.
This is because in the past, with the levy collected in the form of cash payments, some people have been concerned that some of the funds could have been ‘leaked’ and not been deposited into the main fund.
Priadnya explained, “The purpose of implementing this electronic-based levy is to suppress leakage. We are very supportive because this can maximize PAD (Regional Original Income).”
He noted that with an electronic tax and levy system in place for the Nusa Penida Tourism Tax, more levies will be introduced on the island soon.
Priadnya added, “If the levy system is already electronic, the way to monitor it (retribution) is easier. If there is more income, maybe the Tourism Office can consider adding the levy target from tourist visits to Nusa Penida.”
This is all part of a move to ensure that tourists are paying their Nusa Penida Tourism Tax and are able to do so easily and efficiently upon arrival to the Nusa Islands. The move is also to ensure that the funds can be collected and utilized to the benefit of both local residents and tourists.
While Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are soaring in popularity with tourists, the small outlying islands are in need of plenty of support in terms of living up infrastructure to support the local community and the growing tourism sector.
Reliable electricity connections, mobile signal, broadband connectivity and road infrastructure is all in need of further investment from the government in the Nusa Islands.
The Nusa Penida Tourism Tax can go a long way in funding these developments if used in the right way.
Unlike the Bali Tourism Tax levy, which costs IDR 150,000 (USD 10), the Nusa Penida Tourism Tax Levy is far cheaper, just IDR 25,000 (USD 1.50).
For years, tourists have simply paid cash at the harbor or, more recently, have had access to a card machine, which has proven somewhat unreliable at busy times.
The Klungkung Agency government has signed a deal with a third-party service provider to implement an e-ticketing and e-payment system for the levy, which should be in place soon.
The target for the Nusa Penida Tourism Tax Levy is IDR 24.8 billion (USD 1.4 million) in 2024, an increase on the 2023 total of IDR 17.7 billion (USD 1.04 million).
While many Bali lovers shared frustration at the introduction of the Bali Tourism Tax Levy back in February 2024, tourists have rarely voiced concerns about paying the USD 1.50 contribution to the outlying islands.
One local tourism worker, Made Mertayana, told reporters, “I wonder if it’s actually not a problem paying a levy of Rp 25 thousand per person as long as the designation is clear. The levy money must be focused on improving infrastructure and arranging destinations.”
Leaders in Nusa Penida have been working for years to find ways to regenerate more tax revenue to support development on the island.
As of the 1st of July 2023, it became mandatory for tourists who wish to snorkel or dive in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area to first purchase an e-ticket to confirm their payment of the Nusa Penida Retribution Tax.
While this tax is still in place and most tour providers include the contribution as part of the tour package fee, tourists should not be surprised if they are asked to show proof of this payment or to make the payment before heading off on their dive and snorkeling trip in the protected waters.
Source: https://thebalisun.com/new-tourist-tax-and-e-ticketing-system-to-be-introduced-in-balis-nusa-penida/
