In early October, Indonesian Senator I Gusti Arya Wedakarna posted a video urging domestic travelers to develop a habit of tipping at tourist destinations, describing the practice as part of Bali’s service culture. The call has sparked a heated debate about how tipping could shape visitors’ experiences on the popular island.

Bali welcomed roughly 16.3 million visitors last year, according to official data. Of those, about 9.3 million were domestic tourists and 7.05 million were international arrivals, highlighting the island’s reliance on both markets.

Critics say the new emphasis on tipping may prioritize foreign tourists, leaving Indonesian travelers feeling undervalued. They warn this could damage Bali’s reputation and discourage domestic travel.

Bali representative Ni Luh Djelantik rejected the idea that domestic visitors are less generous, pointing out that many local tourists do tip. I Putu Winastra, chairman of the Bali chapter of ASITA, echoed this view, noting that foreign guests are not always more generous than Indonesians.

Some social‑media users responded by recommending Indonesians explore other islands such as East Nusa Tenggara and Sumba, where tourism spending also benefits local communities. They argue that spreading visitors can help balance economic benefits across the region.