Bali Explores Digital Payment for Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA) Through State Bank BTN

At an announcement in Denpasar, state-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) and a private technology partner to explore digitalizing payment of Bali's foreign tourist levy, known as Pungutan Wisatawan Asing (PWA). BTN President Director Nixon L.P. Napitupulu noted that tourism has broad economic impact, linking to transportation, accommodation, trade, and small and medium enterprises (UMKM).

The PWA, implemented under Bali Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2023 (updated by Regulation No. 2 of 2025), has required foreign tourists to pay Rp150,000 per person since February 14, 2024, with proceeds earmarked for cultural and environmental protection. According to the Bali provincial government, PWA collections reached Rp235 billion from January to August 2026, while full-year 2025 collections totaled Rp369 billion, representing 35.4% of the nearly 7 million foreign tourists who visited Bali.

This partnership does not change the levy amount or who must pay it; rather, it is an early-stage effort to explore more convenient digital payment methods. BTB Chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana emphasized a shift in focus from visitor numbers alone to the quality of tourist experiences, economic value, cultural and environmental preservation, and community welfare. BTN is also expanding collaboration on market digitalization in Buleleng Regency and banking services in the Penglipuran tourism village in Bangli Regency.