Illegal villas in Bali have become a pressing concern for the Indonesian government. In response to the growing number of unlicensed accommodations on the island, the Ministry of Tourism is taking decisive steps to regulate the sector and preserve the integrity of Bali’s tourism industry.
Bali, a key driver of Indonesia’s tourism economy, continues to attract millions of visitors each year. However, the rise in tourism has come with challenges, particularly in accommodation management and land use. Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana recently highlighted these issues during a meeting with Bali Governor Wayan Koster in Denpasar.
Crackdown on Illegal Villas in Bali
The Tourism Ministry has identified unlicensed villas as one of the most urgent issues impacting Bali’s tourism landscape. These illegal properties operate outside official regulations, raising concerns over zoning violations, lost tax revenue, and unfair competition with licensed operators.
“We appreciate the provincial government’s initiative not only to regulate unlicensed accommodations, but also to verify and monitor licensed ones to ensure they remain accurate and up to date,” said Minister Widiyanti during a press conference as reported by Warta Ekonomi.
Deputy for Industry and Investment at the Tourism Ministry, Rizki Handayani, emphasized the seriousness of the issue. “We already have data that has been followed up by our colleagues at the regional offices for oversight,” she said.
The Ministry has been working closely with other government agencies to coordinate enforcement efforts and ensure that illegal villas are either brought into compliance or shut down.
Tourism Ministry Steps Up Monitoring
To address the issue of illegal villas in Bali, the Ministry of Tourism is increasing its monitoring and enforcement capabilities. Minister Widiyanti affirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with regional and local stakeholders in developing effective strategies.”So, allow us to give special attention to Bali,” she stated.
The Ministry aims to implement stronger oversight mechanisms and improve coordination between national and provincial authorities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to align Bali’s tourism practices with national standards while protecting the island’s cultural and environmental assets.
Managing Growth and Tourist Behavior
Beyond accommodation issues, Bali faces broader tourism-related challenges. These include traffic congestion, waste management, and negative tourist behavior. Minister Widiyanti acknowledged these concerns and highlighted the importance of educating travelers.
“We will continue to push for tourist education through collaboration with Indonesian embassies and other platforms, especially to promote the Dos and Don’ts aligned with local values and regulations,” she said.
The government is working with airlines and the Ministry of Transportation to display traveler guidelines on flights to Bali. These proactive steps aim to foster respectful behavior among tourists and ensure a better experience for both visitors and local communities.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Bali
The campaign against illegal villas aligns with a long-term vision for sustainable tourism in Bali. Minister Widiyanti reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the island’s development blueprint, crafted by Governor Koster, which outlines plans for the next 100 years.
“We are committed to supporting the tourism development direction set by Governor Wayan Koster, even for the next 100 years. Bali’s tourism must grow in a well-planned, fair, and sustainable manner for future generations,” she said.
The Ministry also launched the 2026 “Wonderful Indonesia” promotion calendar, which will be aligned with the Bali provincial government’s initiatives. Deputy for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, stated, “We’ve also spoken with airlines and will coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation, urging all airlines flying to Bali to screen Dos and Don’ts as information for arriving tourists.”
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A Turning Point for Bali Tourism
Governor Wayan Koster welcomed the Tourism Ministry’s visit and praised its commitment to addressing critical tourism issues.
“And that is indeed very much needed. What the Minister presented was spot on, it addressed Bali’s most pressing issues, especially in promoting quality and sustainable tourism. Hopefully, the solutions can be implemented soon,” said Koster.
With stronger oversight, improved education, and long-term planning, Bali is positioning itself for a more balanced and sustainable tourism future. The government’s firm stance on illegal accommodations signals a turning point in protecting the island’s economic and environmental wellbeing.
Source: travel.kompas.com, wartaekonomi.co.id
Image: Getty Images
