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Bali Prepares to Become an International Financial Hub

JAKARTA — The Indonesian government is moving forward with plans to establish Bali as an International Financial Center (IFC) , aiming to diversify the island’s economy beyond tourism. 

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the Bali Turtle Island Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Denpasar is being prioritized and accelerated as a key site for the new financial hub development.

The government is currently finalizing regulations to support the SEZ’s development, which includes coordinating schemes and facilities designed to attract global investors.

“So what can Bali Turtle Island offer for an IFC location? This will be discussed directly with Danantara,” stated by Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (4/5/2026).

Danantara, the country’s newly established investment management agency, is expected to play a key role in shaping the financial zone’s future.

A ‘Knowledge District’ to Drive Innovation

The Bali Turtle Island SEZ, managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), is designed around a “Knowledge District” concept. 

Unlike a conventional financial center, the zone is designed as an integrated ecosystem that leverages education, research, and human capital to drive new economic growth.

The district’s key facilities include a Business Hub to host Global Blended Finance Alliance (GBFA) and investment channels, a Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the International Mangrove Research Center (IMRC) for coastal environmental research. 

By the end of the first quarter of 2026, the SEZ had measured up to Rp1.62 trillion in realized investment and created 2,146 jobs.

Sanur SEZ Focuses on Health Tourism

While Bali Turtle Island focuses on finance, the government is simultaneously strengthening the Sanur SEZ as a center for health tourism. 

This dual approach aims to position Indonesia as a destination for both high-value financial services and world-class medical travel.

Since opening in April 2025, the Bali International Hospital (BIH) has served nearly 15,000 patients in the first quarter of 2026. Of that total, 60 percent were foreign nationals.

A new clinic offering cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, and anti-aging stem cell therapy is scheduled to open later this year. 

Cumulatively, the Sanur SEZ has attracted Rp5.37 trillion in investment, created over 5,400 jobs, and invited more than 279,000 tourist visits.

Together, both SEZs are positioned as strategic engines for economic transformation in Bali.

Source: ANTARA News
Feat Image: ANTARA News

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