DENPASAR ~

The rapid developments of tourism in Bali have resulted to the emergence of Money Changers (PVA) in tourism areas in Bali. But unfortunately, many of them are illegal.

This matter has become a concern for the related agencies or authority in Bali which one of them is Bank Indonesia (BI).

As stated by Chief of Bank Indonesia Bali Office Dewi Setyowati, foreign tourists who are on vacation in Bali should go to legal or official money changer, even though some illegal money changers offer higher rate for money exchange compared to the legal ones.

“We advise guests who come to exchange their money to go to the legal and official money changers. And I hope the illegal money changer actors should stop such activities,” Dewi said in Denpasar on Tuesday.

The numbers of illegal money changers have raised concern that it will spoils the tourism in Bali.

Dewi Setyowati explained that such efforts has been made to tackle this problem, and in the near future BI will gather all Money Changers in Bali related to the efforts that should be taken related to the illegal money changers.

Some of the steps that will be taken later are by distributing a call out pamphlets, as well as forming a tourism ambassador, even BI is ready to help related to the budget. “BI has appealed to PVA to make a pamphlet, but until now there has been no realization, we will help with the budget, if it’s necessary,” she said.

In Bali, currently there are about 120 money changers that officially registered in Bank Indonesia, and of that number many also have opened branches. “BI only regulates the legal PVA. Thus it is not in our capacity to impose sanctions for illegal PVA,” she said when asked what sanctions will be taken to the illegal PVA.

On the other hand, banks in Bali also suggested the use of electronic money (UNIK), especially to tackle the illegal money changer problem.

Tourists who come to Bali can have this UNIK card at the airport, based on the day’s exchange rates. At the time travelers return to their respective country, the UNIK card can be returned again and redeem the remaining balance based on the day when the card is obtained.

Dewi Setyowati explained that this solution should be supported by the local governments for the sake of Bali’s tourism.  (wib)