Bali’s government reportedly warns tourists that they will face severe penalties for payments made with cryptocurrencies.
According to a new report from Channel News Asia, Bali Governor Wayan Koster is sending a strong message to foreign tourists that crypto is an illegal form of payment, including in hotels, restaurants and small businesses.
Koster’s comments came during a Sunday tourism press conference, according to the report.
says Koster,
“Foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, engage in activities not permitted in their visa permit, use crypto as a means of payment and violate other provisions will be dealt with severely.”
Foster was joined by other government officials, including Bali Police Chief Inspector General Putu Jayan Danu Putra.
Koster outlines some of the penalties violators of crypto payments can face.
“Severe actions range from eviction, administrative sanctions, criminal sanctions, closure of business premises and other harsh sanctions.”
Koster also warned that in Indonesia it is forbidden to use currencies other than the rupiah. Fines for this include imprisonment for up to one year and a maximum fine of 200 million rupiah or approximately $13,300.
says Koster,
“People who conduct foreign exchange trading activities without Bank Indonesia’s permission can be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years, and a minimum fine of Rs 50 million and a maximum (fine) of Rs 22 billion. Violations are subject to administrative sanctions in the form of written reprimands, obligations to pay fines and payment bans.”
While crypto is banned as a form of payment in Indonesia, the country allows people to hold crypto as assets, according to Channel News Asia.
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