Bali monkey ownership rules 2025 – Bali has introduced a new policy with direct implications for residents, expats, digital nomads, and long-term visitors: a provincial ban on keeping Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) as pets.
The regulation was formalized through Gubernatorial Circular No. 19/2025, signed on 26 November 2025, following growing concerns about public safety, animal welfare, and zoonotic disease risks. The decision also responds to escalating conflicts between humans and macaques in several parts of the island.
Below is a clear breakdown of what the new rule means, why it matters, and how it affects anyone living in or visiting Bali.
Why Long-Tailed Macaques Are No Longer Allowed as Pets
The Long-Tailed Macaque, known locally as Monyet Ekor Panjang (MEP), is not a protected species under Indonesian law. However, it is listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade must be tightly regulated due to the risk of population decline.
According to the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA):
1. Macaques are rabies-transmitting animals
They fall under the category of Hewan Penular Rabies (HPR) and can transmit several zoonotic diseases between animals and humans.
2. Keeping macaques as pets causes health and safety risks
Authorities report aggressive behavior, bites, and escape incidents in several districts.
3. Private ownership creates ecological imbalance
Removing macaques from their natural groups tends to trigger disturbances in population behavior in forested areas such as Ubud, Uluwatu, and Alas Kedaton.
4. Bali wants to preserve its global image as an ethical tourism destination
Officials are increasingly concerned about social-media posts showing mistreated or chained macaques, which conflict with Bali’s cultural values and global reputation.
5. Tourist attractions need better population management
Popular sites like Monkey Forest, Uluwatu, and Alas Kedaton are now required to increase supervision and regulate visitor interaction to minimize injuries and aggressive encounters.
Why This Matters for Expats and Long-Term Visitors
The Governor’s circular explicitly encourages all individuals living in Bali—including foreign residents—NOT to keep macaques as pets. Although many cases in the past involved local households, authorities have observed growing interest among foreigners adopting or rescuing macaques unofficially.
This circular clarifies that:
- keeping a macaque in a private home is strongly discouraged
- the animal may be confiscated for rehabilitation
- owners may be contacted by BKSDA for verification
- the government is prioritizing public safety and disease prevention
What to Do If You Currently Have a Pet Macaque
BKSDA Bali has opened a public handover channel. Anyone who currently keeps a macaque—local or foreign—can surrender the animal without penalties.
BKSDA Bali Call Center: +62 812-4696-6767
After being handed over:
- the macaque will be examined by a veterinarian
- it will undergo a structured rehabilitation program
- if declared healthy and fit, it will be released back into its natural habitat
Rehabilitation efforts are conducted in partnership with:
- Yayasan Jaringan Satwa Indonesia
- Yayasan Pecinta Alam dan Kemanusiaan
In 2025 alone, 30 macaques have already been surrendered voluntarily.
Expert Commentary from Bali Authorities
Ratna Hendratmoko, Head of BKSDA Bali, emphasized:
“Long-Tailed Macaques are not suitable as pets. They pose risks to owners and the public, especially rabies transmission.”
I Wayan Sunada, Head of Bali’s Agriculture and Food Security Office, echoed:
“This circular aims to protect both humans and wildlife. Keeping macaques at home can be dangerous and increases the risk of disease.”
Gubernur Bali Wayan Koster added:
“This policy represents our commitment to wildlife protection and responsible tourism.”
Guidance for Visitors to Monkey Attractions – Bali Monkey Ownership Rules 2025
The circular indirectly affects tourist behavior as well. Sites like Monkey Forest Ubud, Uluwatu Temple, and Alas Kedaton are now expected to tighten visitor guidance.
Visitors should:
- avoid feeding macaques
- secure phones, glasses, and loose items
- maintain distance even if monkeys approach
- follow staff instructions
- avoid posing for close-contact selfies
These measures aim to reduce injuries and help macaques maintain natural foraging behavior.
Why This Policy Matters for Bali’s Future
The new circular represents a shift toward:
- ethical tourism
- wildlife-human conflict prevention
- public health protection
- environmental conservation
It also aligns with Bali’s cultural principles such as Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world.
Key Takeaway for Global Readers : Bali Monkey Ownership Rules 2025
For expats, digital nomads, and long-term visitors, the message is clear:
Do not keep Long-Tailed Macaques as pets. Report or surrender them if you currently do. Respect wildlife in Bali’s natural habitats.
This ensures safety, supports conservation, and helps Bali maintain its reputation as a responsible global destination.
Reported by Ferry Fadly
Written by Hey Bali Newsroom