A proposed alcohol ban in Bali could make tourists look for alternative destinations

Thursday, November 19, 2020

For many travelers, Bali has long been a bucket-list destination. However, a proposed alcohol ban has a chance to see tourists looking for alternative destinations.

In Southeast Asia, Bali is one of the most visited destinations. It’s well-known for its varied landscapes like lush rainforests, spectacular mountains and pearlescent beaches. Bali is a tropical paradise within the more Islamic-fundamentalist country of Indonesia. But recent talks about stopping alcohol sale on the island could send it into chaos.

Why the ban was considered?
This ban is not something new in Indonesia; however it’s one that which has recently traction the Indonesian media, credit goes to the political parties and their support in the country. Two Islamist political parties – the Prosperous Justice Party and the United Development Party – together with the nationalist party Gerindra in endorsing the prohibition bill and debating on the issue.

In 2015, the country had banned the sale of alcohol in small “mom and pop” type stores. The city of Aceh has stopped the sale and alcohol consumption following its move to accept sharia law, the Islamic legal code. Previously, banning alcohol in Indonesia had listed the Hindu-majority island of Bali to remain excused from bans, but discussion regarding the recent iteration of the ban has yet to be elucidated if this would be the safe.

The country is home to the largest Muslim population of the world, with 12.7% of the Muslims inhabiting the country. Whilst Bali may have an incongruity in that it is a majorly a Hindu province, Islam has a enormous influence on the governance, and is the key driving factor behind the potential ban.

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