(3/15/2002)
Bali's Governor Dewa Made Beratha has joined the chorus protesting the increase of the international departure tax from Rp. 75,000 to Rp. 100,000, suggesting that such a hike is inappropriate in the current crisis situation affecting tourism.
The airport departure tax was increased on March 1, 2002, with only 2 day's notice, based on a decision issued by Indonesia's Minister of Communications. The Governor's call for a rejection of the increase is motivated by his concern that tourist arrivals will be negatively impacted by the sudden increase and the primary role of tourism in the island's economy.
In related comments, the Governor emphasized that the Provincial Government would continue to fight for a share of the reported Rp. 400 billion (+/- $40 million) in revenues generated annually by Bali's airport, funds that are currently remitted back in their entirety to Jakarta.
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