Taking Charge at the Local Level

(2/17/2012)

The Badung House of Representatives in Bali (DPRD-Badung) and the regency’s administrators are preparing to widen the application of seven local regulations that apply to tourism activities. Effort to widen the legal sweep of these regulations began on February 15, 2012, as a meeting to discuss the regency’s tourism laws and the creation of a Local Tourism Promotion Board (Badan Promosi Pariwisata Daerah – BPPD).

As reported by Radar Bali, at that meeting the following Badung regulations were tabled for discussion:

• Badung Regency Regulation No. 17 of 1996 on recreational businesses and public entertainmen
• Badung Regency Regulation No. 12 of 1996 on Restaurant Operations
• Badung Regency Regulation No. 13 of 1996 on Eating places (Rumah Makan)
• Badung Regency Regulation No. 14 of 1996 on Melati Hotels
• Badung Regency Regulation No. 15 of 1996 on Pondok Wisata
• Badung Regency Regulation No. 16 of 1996 on Bars
• Badung Regency Regulation No.17 of 1996 on Catering services

Following that meeting, the Chairman of a Special Committee for Tourism for the DPRD-Badung, Wayan Suyasa, said that the widening of the application of local tourism laws is in keeping with the National Tourism Law No.10 of 2009.

He said the input of tourism stakeholders in Badung would be sought in reviewing a wider application and enforcement of legal standards for tourism-related businesses.

The head of the Badung Tourism Office (Kadisparda), Cok Raka Darmawan, said new tourism regulations would also address the creation of a Badung Tourism Promotion Board (BPPB). While the promotion board has technically been created via a decree of the Regent of Badung, the legal basis for its operation will be established via the regional tourism regulations now under review.

He said the Regency’s Tourism Promotion Board would be an independent body with the government only serving as a facilitator. The BPPB would coordinate its promotion efforts between the private and public sector.