Close relationship between Bali and Australia is seen as needing to grow beyond tourism into a strategic collaboration that can deliver quality investment, strengthen human resources, and improve the welfare of Balinese communities.
This idea was raised during the Bali Great Sharing Session 2026, hosted by Nawa Cita Pariwisata Indonesia (NCPI) Bali at the Bali International Hospital Special Economic Zone in Sanur on Thursday, July 30.
Agus Maha Usadha, Chair of NCPI Bali, said cooperation between Bali and Australia should focus on developing human resources so local communities can compete in the global tourism industry.
He emphasized that improving skills is not just about technical ability, but also about understanding Balinese culture — both as identity and as a competitive advantage.
“Today, we are in the Sanur Special Economic Zone, an icon that clearly reflects Australian investment. The trust shown here in hospital and health services for visitors during their stay — that’s a perfect match,” Agus said.
Agus pointed out that the Bali International Hospital in Sanur is a concrete example of international investment bringing new service standards. This, he said, opens opportunities to build local workforce capacity, especially in healthcare, while strengthening foreign tourists’ confidence in Bali’s services.
Australia as Bali’s Key Partner
The Bali Great Sharing Session 2026 was designed to foster collaboration between Indonesian and Australian stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism, environmental preservation, and cultural development.
It explored opportunities for strategic cooperation that would reinforce Bali’s role as an international friendship bridge and deepen long‑term bilateral ties.
The session was attended by the Governor of Bali’s expert staff, immigration officials, the Australian Consul General, and hundreds of academics.
Australia has long been a key partner for Bali, both through tourism and investment. In 2025, Australian tourist arrivals reached more than 1.54 million — the highest of any country.
On the investment side, Australia recorded around Rp2.3 trillion, mainly in hotels and restaurants, trade, services, transport, telecommunications, and property.