State Bank BTN Explores Digital Payment System for Bali's Foreign Tourist Levy

Indonesia's state-owned Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) announced on October 10 that it is exploring a partnership to digitalize payment of Bali's foreign tourist levy, known as Pungutan Wisatawan Asing (PWA). Speaking at a press event in Denpasar, BTN President Director Nixon L.P. Napitupulu said the tourism sector has broad economic impact due to its links with multiple industries.

As an initial step, the bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) and a private partner experienced in building technology systems for the tourism industry. The collaboration covers digitalizing PWA payments, developing a digital app for BTB's cooperative ecosystem, and promoting tourist destinations.

BTB Chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana said the focus should extend beyond visitor numbers to include the quality of tourist experiences, increased economic value, cultural and environmental preservation, and community welfare.

The PWA levy, implemented under Bali Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2023 (amended by Regulation No. 2 of 2025), has been in effect since February 14, 2024, charging IDR 150,000 (roughly USD 9-10) per foreign visitor. According to the Bali provincial government, collections reached IDR 235 billion from January to August 2026, while full-year 2025 collections totaled IDR 369 billion—representing payment compliance from about 35.4% of the nearly 7 million foreign tourists who visited Bali that year. Funds collected are intended for cultural and environmental protection in Bali.

BTN is also expanding partnerships in Buleleng Regency for digitalizing traditional market transactions and in Bangli Regency's Penglipuran tourist village to strengthen banking services and support small businesses.