What is a PMA?

PMAs are business permits that are issued to legally set up a business in Bali. They allow business to be conducted on the island. They are fairly complicated and costly to obtain.

They ensure taxes are paid to the Indonesian government, and business on the island is conducted ethically and fairly. There is no other way to conduct business on the island, period.

PMAs must be renewed every 2 years and are difficult to issue to someone living off the island.

How do I find out if my photographer has one?

Ask your tour company for a copy of their Indonesian PMA. This is different from their personal KITAS.

If your photographer is not residing in Indonesia, it is unlikely they have one.

The PMA needs to be under the name of the photographer. Often, photographers will try to work around this by using a local Balinese sponsor, which is not legal.

This sounds like a big deal. Is it really that important? My tour operator has done Bali tours before…

Yes.

While the country is warm and welcoming, they do require laws to be followed.

Indonesia is one of THE most strict countries we’ve found in our 50 countries of travel in terms of allowing photographers to operate tours and workshops. Officials are constantly on the lookout for anyone with professional gear.

Photographers running workshops without a permit will ask their participants to “not mention to officials that I’m instructing you - say you are my friends.” They will list out things to say when you’re questioned.

There are a small number of photographers in Bali with valid permits. We suggest seeking them out.

There has recently been a huge crackdown on photographers (and other industries) conducting business of any kind on the island without a permit. Individuals are escorted off the island and the coordinator is arrested and deported immediately.

Please don’t put yourself in a position where you are asked to lie to any government official or take the chance of not being able to return to this amazing island.