Bali Authorities Initiate Campaign Against Cryptos in Tourism Sector

The provincial government of Bali, Indonesia, has announced that they will no longer allow digital assets to be used for payments in hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and other establishments.

Governor Wayan Koster has warned that foreigners who act inappropriately, participate in activities not allowed under their visa, use crypto as payment, or break other regulations will face severe punishments, such as deportation, administrative and criminal penalties, business closures, and other sanctions.

Koster has reminded citizens of the 2011 law that prohibits currencies other than the rupee to be used as a form of payment and pointed out that those who violate these regulations can receive one to five years of prison time along with a fine of 50 million rupees ($3,300) to 22 billion rupees ($1.4 million).

Trisno Nugroho, a representative from the Bank of Indonesia in the province, has clarified that digital currencies are allowed as an asset, but not as a payment instrument.