Johnny Johan Sompotan, Jakarta – Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD) Senator Gusti Arya Wedakarna has drawn criticism from Bali businesswoman and shoe designer Ni Luh Djelantik over remarks suggesting foreign tourists are more generous than domestic visitors, reigniting debate over tipping and equal treatment in the island's tourism industry.
Wedakarna urged Indonesian tourists to make tipping a habit when visiting tourist destinations, saying foreign visitors were generally more accustomed to rewarding service workers.
"Foreign tourists are used to giving tips. That is why local Balinese residents are more enthusiastic about serving tourists," he said, according to remarks cited in local media. He added that domestic tourists tended to tip less frequently and bargain over prices, although he acknowledged that this was not true of everyone.
Djelantik challenged the generalization, arguing that spending habits vary among individual visitors and that neither nationality nor tipping behavior should determine the quality of service tourists receive.
Tipping in Indonesia is generally discretionary, although gratuities are appreciated in Bali's tourism industry, particularly by hotel staff, drivers, tour guides, and spa workers. Many hotels and restaurants also add service charges to bills, meaning customers may already be paying an additional fee for service.
Bali welcomed 5.4 million international tourist arrivals from January to September 2026, with Australia remaining the largest source market, according to figures provided for this article. International tourists spent an average of Rp 2.11 million (about $127) per day, with a total expenditure of $1,522, or approximately Rp 23.8 million, per visit.
Domestic tourism is also a major source of business for the island. Bali recorded 18.16 million domestic tourist trips from January to August 2026, according to the provincial statistics agency (BPS Bali). The figures count trips rather than unique individuals.
In a statement on Thursday, Djelantik cited examples of foreign tourists bargaining aggressively with small vendors, including an elderly woman selling crackers in Bedugul. She said the woman's crackers, priced at Rp 10,000 (about US$0.60), were allegedly bargained down to Rp 2,000 after the tourist had already eaten some.
Djelantik also criticized visitors who spend hours at cafes after ordering only one cup of coffee, as well as beach club patrons who stay from afternoon until midnight after buying a single small beer.
She contrasted those habits with spending by some Indonesian visitors at entertainment venues, saying they could spend millions of rupiah on drinks, food, and tips.
The remarks came amid a separate controversy involving a Rp 10,000 toilet charge linked to Indonesian entertainer Billy Syahputra, which brought renewed attention to tourist spending and tipping practices in Bali.
Djelantik said tips could be a way for visitors to recognize good service but should not be treated as the main payment for workers' efforts. She added that some businesses already include service charges in restaurant or hotel bills.
Tourists, she argued, should receive friendly and professional service regardless of whether they are Indonesian citizens or foreign nationals.
"Whether they are Indonesian or foreign nationals, treat them with equal respect," she said, adding that authorities should take firm action when visitors disrespect local culture, undermine residents' dignity, or violate work permit rules.
Djelantik also challenged the perception that foreign tourists are uniformly wealthy or generous, saying some live in inexpensive accommodation, buy modest meals, and spend long periods in cafes while purchasing little. She said immigration and employment violations by foreign nationals should be addressed through enforcement rather than assumptions about visitors as a group.
Bali relies heavily on tourism to support its economy, with spending by both international and domestic visitors sustaining hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers, and small businesses.
Djelantik warned that statements portraying domestic tourists as less valuable could discourage Indonesians from visiting the island. Domestic tourism also helped support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel restrictions severely disrupted the industry.
She urged Bali's tourism stakeholders to welcome visitors regardless of their budgets while ensuring that local communities, workers and cultural traditions are respected.
The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing tourism revenue, fair compensation for workers, and cultural protection without creating divisions between domestic and international visitors.