JAKARTA — The Indonesian government is planning to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) which focuses on the financial sector in Bali. This strategic effort aims to attract investments from around the globe and turn the island into a regional financial hub.
President Prabowo Subianto has endorsed the project and commissioned the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, to lead the initiative.
Government officials have selected the Dubai International Financial Center as their preferred template, which is globally recognized in its ability to draw attention towards international financial firms that offer attractive tax breaks, streamlined regulations, and world-class infrastructure.
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed clear enthusiasm for the Dubai International Financial Centre model during his remarks on April 27, 2026. “The one that works for me is the Dubai model,” he stated confidently, adding that the government would pursue it in the near future.
His comments signal that Indonesia is looking to emulate Dubai’s successful blend of fiscal incentives, regulatory flexibility, and world-class infrastructure to attract global financial institutions to the proposed special economic zone in Bali.
A comprehensive Financial Ecosystem, Not Just Family Offices
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the proposed SEZ is not just a family office facility, which some have speculated, but rather a complete ecosystem that is capable of housing a full range of financial industry activities from banking, asset management, fintech, and investment services within one integrated framework.
The government is currently coordinating preparations for the necessary regulations to support the financial center. Coordinating Minister Airlangga observes that global geopolitical changes have enhanced Bali’s appeal as a site for such a center. He also emphasized that the financial center is drafted to be run fully by non-government entities, differentiating it from typical government-run zones.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated on April 28, 2026, that the government sees a clear opportunity to establish a financial center in Bali.
“With the geopolitical changes,” he explained, “Bali is becoming attractive” as a strategic location for such a hub. His remarks underscore the government’s confidence that shifting global dynamics work in Indonesia’s favor.
Danantara Emerges as Potential Manages
On the matter of management, Airlangga has proposed the role for Nusantara’s Future Power Investment Management Agency , the state investment management super-holding agency as the supervisor of the financial center. However, this decision is not final yet, and the government continues to evaluate other potential management structures.
The SEZ is anticipated to broaden domestic financial markets, speed up financial innovation, and strengthen Indonesia’s position against other financial hubs in Asia.
The government aims to move quickly on development, with officials expressing optimism that the project will advance quickly under presidential direction.
Source: Mantranews.id
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