Adaptive Governance in the Implementation of the Remote Worker Visa Policy for Sustainable Tourism Development in Bali

Abstract

The rapid growth of remote work has transformed international mobility patterns, shifting Bali’s tourism profile from short-term visitors to long-stay remote workers. While this trend generates economic opportunities, it also creates governance challenges related to immigration compliance, destination carrying capacity, social order, and the sustainability of tourism development. These emerging dynamics require adaptive policy responses that balance economic benefits with effective regulatory oversight. This study aims to examine the implementation of Indonesia’s Remote Worker Visa policy (Index E33G) in supporting sustainable tourism in Bali through the lens of adaptive governance. A descriptive qualitative design with a socio-legal approach was employed, drawing on policy documents, regulatory analysis, and institutional practices related to immigration governance. The findings indicate that the Remote Worker Visa policy provides greater legal certainty for foreign remote workers while facilitating longer visitor stays and supporting local economic activity. The policy also strengthens the distinction between tourists and foreign workers, contributing to improved immigration governance. However, its implementation remains constrained by fragmented inter-agency coordination, limited digital monitoring capacity, high mobility among remote workers, and persistent violations involving unauthorized commercial activities conducted under inappropriate visa categories. The study concludes that the effectiveness of the Remote Worker Visa policy depends not only on regulatory design but also on adaptive governance characterized by digital-based monitoring systems, cross-sectoral collaboration, and responsive policy implementation. Strengthening these governance capacities is essential to maintaining legal compliance, protecting destination sustainability, and enhancing Bali’s competitiveness as a sustainable tourism destination.