TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bali Provincial Government will crack down on foreign tourists using crypto as a means of payment in hotels, restaurants, tourism destinations, shopping centers, and other places.

"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," Bali Governor Wayan Koster said on Sunday.

He conveyed this at the Bali tourism development press conference which was attended by Bali Police Chief Inspector General Putu Jayan Danu Putra, Head of Bank Indonesia (BI) - Bali Representative Office Trisno Nugroho, and other related parties.

"Strict actions range from deportation, administrative sanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other tough sanctions," Koster said.

Koster stated that the prohibition on the use of currencies other than rupiah as a means of payment in Indonesia refers to Law No. 7 of 2011 on Currency.

Based on Law No. 7 of 2011, if one uses other forms of currency other than rupiah, then they can get punished with imprisonment of one-year maximum and a maximum fine of Rp200 million (US$13,300).

Furthermore, rupiah as an official currency in Indonesia is also regulated in Law No. 4 of 2023 concerning the Development and Strengthening of the Financial Sector.

"People who carry out foreign exchange business activities without permission from Bank Indonesia can be punished with imprisonment for one-year minimum and five-year maximum, and a minimum fine of Rp50 million (US$3,300) and a maximum of Rp22 billion (US$1.4 million)," Koster said.

Furthermore, the obligation to use rupiah in the Indonesian territory is also regulated in Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 17/3/PBI/2015.

"Violations will be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of written reprimands, obligations to pay fines, and prohibitions from payment transactions," Koster said.

Meanwhile, Head of BI Bali Representative Office Nugroho said crypto, as an asset, is allowed, but it is banned as a payment instrument.

ANTARA

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