The provincial government of Bali will take strict action against international visitors who pay with cryptocurrency in hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping malls, and other locations.
At a press conference for the promotion of tourism on Sunday (May 28), Bali Governor Wayan Koster promised that “foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, do activities that are not allowed in their visa permit, use cryptocurrency as a means of payment, and violate other provisions will be dealt with firmly.”
Putu Jayan Danu Putra, the chief inspector general of the Bali Police, and other participants were present during the meeting.
“Strict actions range from deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other tough sanctions,” Koster stated.
He reaffirmed that it was against the law to pay in Indonesia using any other currency but rupiah.
A person who uses money other than rupiah is subject to a maximum fine of 200 million rupiah (US$13,300) and a sentence of up to one year in prison, according to Indonesian law.
According to Koster, anyone who conduct foreign exchange commercial activities without Bank Indonesia’s consent face a minimum one-year sentence and a maximum five-year prison term as well as a minimum fine of 50 million rupiah and a maximum fine of 22 billion rupiah.
Administrative sanctions, such as written reprimands, fine duties, and bans on making payments, will be applied to violations.
According to Trisno Nugroho, the head of Bank Indonesia’s Bali Representative Office, cryptocurrency is permitted in Indonesia as an asset but not as a method of payment.
