Bali Governor Wayan Koster visited Bali International Hospital (BIH), located in the Sanur area, on Monday (June 9, 2025), reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to supporting world-class healthcare services on the Island of the Gods.
Accompanied by the Head of the Bali Provincial Health Department, the Chairperson of the Bali Tourism Board, and BIH management, the visit aimed to ensure the readiness of the hospital’s facilities, services, and medical staff ahead of its official grand opening.
According to Media Indonesia, “Bali International Hospital is expected to become an international referral hospital, not only for the people of Bali and Indonesia, but also for international tourists.
This is part of Bali’s holistic development, especially in the healthcare and tourism sectors. I’m proud that 70% of the human resources here are local talents, while the rest are international. This promotes valuable knowledge exchange, which is crucial for improving the quality of our human capital,” said Governor Koster.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and hospital operators in maintaining service quality and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for local communities.
During the visit, the Governor inspected several key facilities, including inpatient rooms, clinics, executive health screening units, the Radiation Oncology Icon Cancer Center, emergency services, and other areas equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Strategic Partnership
BIH was established through a strategic collaboration between state-owned enterprises and the global private sector, including Swire Group through Swire Investment Indonesia.
Ainsley Mann, representative of Swire Investment Indonesia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting premium healthcare development in line with Bali’s sustainable development vision.
“We are honored to partner in such a significant project. Bali International Hospital is a major step forward in delivering world-class healthcare in Bali and Southeast Asia,” said Mann.
Appreciation from the Provincial Government
Dr. Widi Hartono, Deputy Medical Director of BIH, expressed gratitude for the full support received from the Bali Provincial Government from the planning phase through construction.
He emphasized BIH’s commitment to upholding international standards and integrating with the national healthcare system.
Since limited operations began in April 2025, the hospital has served more than 1,500 patients from 58 countries, with the majority coming from Australia. Notably, around 70% of BIH’s workforce comprises local Balinese and Indonesian professionals who have received international-standard training.
BIH’s Centers of Excellence
The hospital highlights five key specialty services as its main strengths:
- Cardiovascular Care
Provided in collaboration with a leading cardiology center from Japan.
- Oncology Services
Developed with clinical partners from Australia to offer comprehensive cancer care.
- Gastroenterology
Specialized treatment for digestive and liver-related conditions with an integrative approach.
- Neurology
Advanced care for brain and nerve disorders, supported by cutting-edge imaging technology.
- Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Services
Includes surgery, joint care, and comprehensive rehabilitation services.
Prioritizing Local Talent and Traditional Wisdom
During his visit, Governor Koster praised BIH’s recruitment strategy that prioritizes local professionals. Out of 149 medical staff, 90 are local, 14 are Indonesian diaspora, and 51 are international experts.
Barometerbali reports that, “This is a strategic step toward advancing the quality of Bali’s healthcare workforce. We are proud that most of the doctors and staff are Balinese,” he noted.
He further encouraged the integration of Balinese traditional medicine as part of the hospital’s holistic approach to health tourism.
“Traditional Balinese healing must have a place in this hospital. It’s vital to support the Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali vision, which emphasizes harmony between modern progress and cultural preservation,” he added.
A Symbol of Bali’s Economic Transformation
Since its initial opening, BIH has attracted a predominantly international patient base (70–80%), demonstrating strong global confidence in Bali’s healthcare services.
Governor Koster emphasized BIH’s role as a fusion of modern medical innovation and local cultural heritage.
“This hospital represents more than just healthcare, it symbolizes Bali’s post-pandemic economic transformation. The health sector is now a new driver for Bali’s development, especially within the Sanur Special Economic Zone,” he said.
As part of the Sanur SEZ, BIH is envisioned not only as a medical service center but also as a hub for research, health innovation, and cultural diplomacy.
The involvement of Indonesian diaspora in the medical field also paves the way for broader international cooperation.
To support this vision, the Bali Provincial Government has prepared training programs aimed at elevating the competence of local healthcare workers to meet global standards aligned with the grand vision of the New Era of Bali.
During the visit, the Governor also toured several of the hospital’s advanced facilities including inpatient wards, clinics, executive health screening, the Radiation Oncology Icon Cancer Center, emergency services, and more.
Sources: Media Indonesia, Barometer Bali. Featured Image