Bali Restricts New Foreign Investment Across 18 Business Sectors to Protect Local SMEs
Bali has introduced one of its most significant foreign investment policy changes in recent years by restricting new foreign direct investment (PMA) licences across 18 business sectors. The move, which has already taken effect through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system, is intended to strengthen the island’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) while ensuring […]
Viral: Bali Expat Running Community Accused of Discriminating Against Indonesian Participants
A running event organised by a community in Canggu, North Kuta District, Badung Regency, has come under public scrutiny after allegations of discrimination against Indonesian citizens (WNI) circulated widely on social media. The controversy emerged after screenshots of conversations between prospective participants and the organisers were shared online. The screenshots appeared to show that applications […]
Indonesia Eyes K-Pop Concert Tourism Packages to Boost Foreign Visitor Numbers
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is looking to tap into the growing popularity of K-Pop by developing concert-based travel packages designed to attract more international visitors while encouraging them to explore destinations beyond the concert venue. The initiative comes as Indonesia continues to strengthen its position as an international events destination, with large-scale concerts increasingly recognised […]
Chinese Tourist Found Dead at 23-Metre Depth After Snorkelling Incident off Kelor Island, Labuan Bajo
A Chinese tourist who went missing while snorkelling in the waters off Kelor Island, Labuan Bajo, was found dead at a depth of 23 metres after a joint search and rescue operation on Wednesday (15 July). The victim was one of two Chinese nationals who died during the incident. The victims were identified as Guo […]
10 Challenges Foreign Investors Face When Setting Up a Business in Indonesia
For foreign entrepreneurs, Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling growth markets. The opportunity is clear. The process, however, is rarely simple. Between shifting regulations, licensing rules, local expectations, and the practical realities of doing business across a vast archipelago, setting up a company in Indonesia can take more planning than many investors expect. […]
Rail Travel Gains Popularity Among Overseas Tourists in Semarang Operational Area
State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has recorded a notable increase in the number of foreign nationals travelling by train through various stations within the Semarang Operational Area (Daop 4) during the first semester of 2026. The figure represents a 9.38 per cent jump compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The upward […]
Following the Viral Nyepi Day Insult Case, Swiss Tourist Requests Lighter Sentence
A Swiss citizen standing trial over an alleged insult to Nyepi Day has asked the Badung District Court to impose a lighter sentence after prosecutors sought a prison term of one year and three months. Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, submitted his plea before the panel of judges, arguing that he had no intention of insulting […]
Indonesia Golden Visa: How the New International Financial Centre Could Benefit Foreign Investors
The House of Representatives has approved legislation to establish the Indonesia International Financial Centre (Pusat Finansial Indonesia Internasional/PFII), introducing a package of tax incentives aimed at attracting foreign capital, international financial institutions, and global professionals. Among the most notable proposals is a new tax benefit linked to the Indonesia Golden Visa programme. Eligible Golden Visa […]
Garuda Indonesia Changes Free Baggage Policy to Piece Concept Starting September 2026
Garuda Indonesia will introduce a new piece-based baggage allowance system, known as the Piece Concept, for tickets purchased or issued from 1 September 2026. The new policy replaces the current weight-based system and will apply to all flights operated by the national carrier. The airline said the change is intended to simplify baggage regulations and […]
Viral Bali Tailor Issues Public Apology Following Racist Comments to Customer
A tailor in Badung, Bali, has publicly apologised after making racist remarks towards a customer during a dispute over an unfinished clothing alteration order. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, prompted mediation by local police before both parties agreed to settle the matter. The tailor, Ni Made Tiadnyani, […]