Bali Government Cracks Down on Crypto Payments by Foreign Tourists – According to a report from the Antara Indonesian News Agency, the government of Bali, Indonesia, is taking strong measures to prevent foreign tourists from using cryptocurrency as a form of payment in hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and other establishments.
The governor of Bali has warned that strict penalties, including deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other severe measures, will be imposed on those found using crypto. Bali Governor Wayan Koster said at the Bali tourism development press conference Sunday: “Foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, do activities that are not allowed in their visa permit, use crypto as a means of payment, and violate other provisions will be dealt with firmly.”
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“Strict actions range from deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other tough sanctions,” the governor detailed. Koster clarified that the prohibition on utilizing cryptocurrencies or any currencies apart from the Indonesian rupiah as a form of payment aligns with Law No. 7 of 2011 on Currency.
According to this law, individuals who engage in the use of currencies other than the rupiah could potentially be sentenced to a maximum of one year in prison and fined up to Rp200 million (US$13,300). The governor further elaborated that individuals involved in foreign exchange activities without proper authorization from Bank Indonesia, the nation’s central bank, could face penalties ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of five years of imprisonment.
Additionally, they may be liable for a minimum fine of Rp50 million (US$3,300) and a maximum fine of Rp22 billion (US$1.4 million). In addition, Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 17/3/PBI/2015 establishes the requirement for the use of the Indonesian rupiah within the Indonesian territory. Koster stressed: “Violations will be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of written reprimands, obligations to pay fines, and prohibitions from payment transactions.”
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