Bali booze ban big concern for Aussies

An Indonesia expert says Australian tourists are more worried about a proposed booze ban there than the execution of the Bali Nine pair.

A surf board with an Australian flag design in Bali

An Indonesian expert says a proposed alcohol ban could dent Australian tourist visits to the island. (AAP)

While Indonesia's plan to execute Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan has not dented Australian tourist visits to the island, a proposed alcohol ban could.

The number of Australians visiting Bali over the past two months was up 16.7 per cent from the same period last year, with more arriving than any other nationality.

Indonesia Institute president Ross Taylor says it is unfortunate the fate of Bali Nine drug smugglers is probably third on the list of concerns about Indonesia among fellow nationals.

He says legislation proposed by two Islamic parties banning consumption of all beverages containing more than one per cent alcohol is considered more of a worry, and could become law as early as the end of this year if backed by President Joko Widodo.

Also of concern is a review of foreign property ownership.

Mr Taylor said mini marts would be the initial focus of the alcohol ban, which would be broadened but not apply to certain locations to protect tourism, such as five-star hotels.

He said the proposal had "horrified" authorities in Bali.

"My own view would be that common sense would prevail ... but I'd be cautious in saying that because there are some of the more pronounced religious groups throughout Indonesia really gaining momentum now," Mr Taylor told AAP.

"In Aceh, they've introduced Sharia law. Very strictly. Even foreigners can be arrested in Aceh for not dressing appropriately."

Mr Taylor said nationalist sentiment was running high, with Indonesian authorities reviewing every property to ascertain whether it was being held on behalf of a foreigner.

"A lot of them are," he said.

"The state will either resume that property or offer the nominee the option of just keeping it for themselves, with no legal comeback from the foreign owner.

"So if you take that and the alcohol thing I think it's really symptomatic of a disturbing trend - and Indonesia is a country that stole my heart so I'm not anti-Indonesia - of the Jokowi government showing all the signs of being naive, dysfunctional and lost at the moment.

"Just drifting off into thought bubbles."


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