medical tourism in bali

Tatler Asia

Bali's medical tourism: a paradise of health and wellness.

Bali aims to become a comprehensive medical tourism destination. A world class hospital to open soon in Sanur will be another add-on to the island popular for its wellness services. 

Bali boasts a reputation for its excellent wellness services thanks to the serendipitous environs, exclusive yoga centres, Bali-traditional therapeutic massage, jamu traditional medicinal herbs and healthy cuisines. Enter the second decade of the third millennium, the Island of the Gods seeks to take a part in the action as Asia continues to lead in the world's medical tourism scene. Adorned with classy medical clinics and international medical centres, Bali medical tourism is a possible market boom for the archipelago as medical tourism itself is fast becoming a trend in this part of the world. A recent study reports that medical tourism represents a worldwide, multibillion-dollar phenomenon that is expected to grow considerably in the coming years.

The living postcard and paradise that feels like a fantasy is now one step closer to become a prominent medical tourism destination. Sanur, the idyllic seaside that stretch southeast of the Island of the Gods, will soon swank with a new hospital equipped with fine world-class facilities. Rp 199 billion (US$14.95 million) of the provincial annual budget has been secured for the construction of the island’s first international hospital; another Rp 200 billion reserved for state-of-the-art medical equipments. With construction under way since early 2015 the International Bali Mandara Hospital will be ready to accommodate its first patients not later than mid 2017.

Dr. Ketut Suarjaya, chief of the Bali Provincial Health Service informed that the new hospital will be able to accommodate 176 inpatients. A therapy centre for the pensioners is also part of the plan. As many senior citizens and retirees from across the world decide on spending their time in Bali, the hospital is expected to provide a geriatric quality service specially designed for the elderly. To meet the demand for alternative medicine, the hospital will also contain health spa facilities, a traditional herbal treatment centre and an acupuncture therapy service.

As a modern medical centre International Bali Mandara Hospital is also designed to house an integrated cancer treatment centre with facilities for radio-diagnosis, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. To maintain quality and safety the hospital coordinates with the National Nuclear Energy Agency [Batan] and the Drugs and Food Monitoring Agency [BPOM] as well. The cancer treatment facilities are expected to be on par with the Dharmais Hospital in Jakarta and Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung.

Strategically located on Jl, Bypass Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, Bali Mandara Hospital would be equipped with high-standard facilities, including amenities for bariatric surgery, the surgical procedures performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss. “So, people can have liposuction and cosmetic surgery here at this new hospital,” said the senior physician.

Bali, one of the most beautiful islands in the world is fast becoming a haven for tourist to undergo cosmetic surgery. Taking time between their idyllic days on the Island of the Gods, many of these tourists decide to undergo a wide-range of cosmetic surgery, from facial contouring, liposuction, tummy tuck, and nose-job up to variants of reconstructive surgery. In fact Bali has become the prime location for health tourism in Indonesia long before Jakarta the capital.

For Australians to undergo aesthetic surgery in Bali is significantly cheap. Including flights and accommodation, still it is less expensive than undergoing cosmetic surgery in Australia. The circumstances intrigue travellers from Down Under to take advantage of their yearly vacation to loll and relax, and encounter cosmetic surgery at the last paradise on earth six hours flight from home.

It seems like a wonderful vista, isn't it? Getting a facelift here, getting a tummy tuck there before getting tanned in one of Bali's beaches.

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Health tourism: Govt prepares Sanur medical tourism SEZ

This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.

Bisnis Indonesia - Pariwisata kesehatan: KEK wisata medis Sanur disiapkan

25 July 2022

By: Ni Luh Anggela and Harian Noris Saputra

Jakarta – The government is preparing Sanur special economic zone (SEZ) in Bali Province as a medical tourism destination on 41.26 hectares of land with an investment value of Rp10.22 trillion. 

The proposal for Sanur SEZ construction has been approved by the National Council for SEZ which is chaired by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartanto, at the SEZ National Council session on Friday (22/07). 

The National Council for SEZ will recommend the President to establish the SEZ through a government regulation as it has met the requirements to develop the SEZ successfully. 

“The National Council for SEZ hereby approves the Sanur SEZ proposal and will soon finalise a government regulation regarding Sanur SEZ,” said Airlangga in an official statement on Saturday (23/7). 

With this development, Sanur SEZ will be the first medical tourism SEZ in Indonesia. Sanur SEZ is regarded as the answer to the current challenge, where many Indonesians prefer to seek medical treatment abroad due to the limited healthcare facilities in Indonesia. 

Airlangga expects that the approval of the Sanur SEZ proposal will save  foreign exchange and improve the national economy as well as the healthcare facilities in Indonesia through knowledge transfer. 

The construction of Sanur SEZ is expected to absorb workforce and create new investment on Bali Island. 

The National Council for SEZ projected that, by 2030, between 4% to 8% of Indonesians who previously sought healthcare abroad would transfer to Sanur SEZ, with total patients ranging from 123,000 to 240,000 people. 

The National Council for SEZ hopes that, until 2045, the total foreign exchange saved will reach Rp86 trillion, and the total foreign exchange increase will reach Rp19.6 trillion in the same period. 

Sanur SEZ is designed to become a health and tourism SEZ with a health facility business plan that includes hospitals and clinics; hotel accommodations and meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism; an ethnomedicine botanic garden; and commercial centres. 

The total land area proposed spans 41.26 hectares with a total investment value of Rp10.2 trillion and a workforce absorption target of 43,647 people. 

Bisnis noted that several hospitals on Bali Island began seriously developing the medical tourism market by establishing Bali Medical Tourism Association or BMTA, which consists of 17 international-standard hospitals and clinics in the middle of last year. 

At the time, the Head of BMTA, Gede Wiryana Patra Jaya, said that Bali has the potential to develop medical tourism further. 

This potential is evident in the availability of international-standard hospitals, adequate medical equipment, competent medical personnel and paramedics, as well as other excellent services. 

“In addition to this potential, Bali also has many tourism objects and attractions that can be enjoyed by medical tourists during or after their treatment,” he said at the end of June. 

He reckoned that the existence of medical tourism was important because it has a large revenue potential and medical tourists from developed countries tend to seek treatment abroad due to long waiting periods for certain treatments and high costs in their country of origin. 

“This opens opportunities for developing countries, including Indonesia and especially Bali, which is capable of serving this market share,” he said. 

According to him, medical tourism is one of the programs planned by the government and has been regulated in the Health Minister Regulation No. 76/2015. 

For Bali, which is a tourist destination, he added that this did not only prevent outgoing foreign exchange from many  Indonesians seeking treatment abroad, but it is also an opportunity to attract foreign exchange for the country through visits from domestic and international medical tourists. 

Regional spatial planning

On another occasion, the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) of Bali Province held the 19th Plenary Meeting of Bali Province DPRD in Assembly Term II of 2022 last week. 

The plenary meeting discussed the agenda concerning the legislative council’s report on the Discussion on Draft Regional Regulation on Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) in Bali Province from 2022-2024 and the Signing of the Agreement on the Substance of the Draft Regional Regulation on Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) in Bali Province from 2022-2024. 

Bali Governor, I Wayan Koster, disclosed that his agency would build land, sea, and air infrastructure in a connected and integrated manner, which must be stated in Bali Province RTRW Regional Regulation. 

He thinks that Bali’s strategic needs and dynamic future developments must be anticipated in Bali Province RTRW Regional Regulation. According to him, energy demand in Bali is more than just the electricity being available, but it also concerns the source of the electricity. 

Going forward, Koster believes that Bali must be independent by leveraging clean energy instead of fossil energy. So, Bali can be cleaner, healthier, and improve its tourism image. 

Therefore, this year, a gas power plant (PLTG) was built in Pesanggaran, Denpasar, with a capacity of 2x100 MW. In this location, there is already a PLTG with a capacity 250 MW. 

“In this context, we need an LNG [liquefied natural gas] terminal built at a location [that supports] efficiency,” he said. 

According to him, high energy demand from consumers comes from South Bali, namely Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar. In fact, there is an option to build the terminal in Celukan Bawang, Buleleng, but demand from this area is low, thus requiring investment in distribution infrastructure that would increase the costs. 

However, Koster emphasised to regional state-owned enterprises (BUMDs) in Bali that they are prohibited to build an LNG terminal in mangrove forest areas. 

He continued that the concept was not an independent LNG terminal, but an integrated area that is also related to the villages in the region. “The scheme that will be implemented must provide economic benefits for the villages. I ask for a new integrated concept that will not disrupt mangrove areas and coral reefs. Our aim is to develop this area into a tourism area that is integrated with the economy.”

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Making Future of Bali: a leading destination for Medical Tourism

• Ida Bagus Amertha Putra Manuaba Medical and Health Education Development, Scientific Publication, & Validation Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana Bali

Bali Provincial Government has taken several steps to diversify the Balinese economy sectors. Medical Tourism became a proposal in line with the Indonesian government’s tourism sector development plan for the past five years. They continue to improve the domestic health industry. Not wanting to depend on imports continuously, Authorities since 2020 has committed to making improvements in the governance of state-owned and private companies, especially in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and health facilities. The construction of an International Hospital (RSI) in Sanur, Bali, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Hospital in the United States, has been seriously monitored to create leading health service standards in Indonesia. Later, the community can use Bali RSI to carry out various medical treatments. Therefore, in the future, health tourism can be properly established. Another image would be emerging: Bali, a top-class holiday destination that serves as a sanctuary to rejuvenate one’s health.

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Indonesia and Mayo Clinic Come Together for New International Hospital in Bali

Bali aims to become a medical tourism destination by 2023.

• Written by MTM Editorial Team
• June 22, 2022

The beautiful holiday island of Bali is set to be home to a new international hospital built by the Indonesian Ministry of State-owned Enterprises in partnership with the Mayo Clinic. The 300-bed hospital is due to open in mid-2023. The move will likely stem the loss of precious foreign currency caused by nationals paying for healthcare abroad.

Medical tourism revenues

Indonesia has lost about $7 billion in healthcare revenues, according to government figures, because wealthy citizens travel overseas for medical treatment. The Indonesian government estimates that annually up to two million nationals seek treatment abroad. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and the United States are major beneficiaries of this outbound medical tourism.

Indonesians are making this choice partly because the local healthcare system lacks adequate capacity, so they may face long delays in treatment. Wealthier Indonesians also prefer overseas treatments due to a “lack of trust in the local system and infrastructure”, according to a 2018 report by Asian business consultants Oliver Wyman.

Focus on cancer treatment

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said that the new international hospital will be operational from mid-2023. “We hope Bali will become a special economic zone for the health sector, and hopefully, by then, there will be no more Indonesians travelling overseas to seek medical treatment,” Mr Widodo said as he announced the project.

One focus of the new hospital is expected to be oncology, a field where the local healthcare system is considered to be particularly weak.

Medical tourism in Bali

The economy of the island of Bali has declined sharply in recent years, as its overdependence on tourism has been highlighted by travel constraints in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic placed further pressure on Bali, and Indonesia’s stretched healthcare services.

The international hospital will be built on a former golf course on the coast of Bali near Sanur, close to Grand Inna Bali Beach Resort. The area is on the quiet east coast with white sand beaches and is popular with retirees and elderly tourists. The Ministry of Tourism is also keen to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop and present Bali as a medical tourism destination.

Although few details of the hospital development have been made public, initial plans envisage 300 beds and a capacity for 30 intensive care beds. In addition, the medical site will include a nursing school and an academic research centre.

Foreign doctors

The Mayo Clinic will not be providing medical services or staffing. A spokesman explained: “The Mayo Clinic will be advising on the development, planning and design of the hospital and also in sharpening administrative efficiencies and effectiveness when it begins operations.”

However, it is expected that some foreign doctors will be recruited. Foreign doctors must pass a local examination and obtain a licence before practicing in Indonesia.

When plans for the hospital were first announced, Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Panjaitan said a special visa would be introduced for “first-class doctors who can practice and transfer technology.”

The Indonesian Doctors’ Association strongly opposes opening up the local medical profession to foreign practitioners, but it is expected that the visa will be limited to top specialists for the Bali International Hospital and will not be available for staff at private medical centres.

Future hospitals in Indonesia

The country has plans to establish two other international hospitals at a later date. These are slated for the capital city of Jakarta and Sumatra island’s largest city, Medan.

The Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota in the USA, as well as a network of clinics spread across the country. It runs several colleges of Science and Medicine and has an active research programme. Outside the USA, it runs Mayo Clinic Healthcare near Harley Street in London, UK.

In 2019, The Mayo Clinic entered a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest health care network, to establish Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s most prominent hospitals for serious and complex care.

The Mayo Clinic has not revealed whether it seeks involvement in further Indonesian hospital projects to date.

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• Open access
• Published: 10 January 2024

Medical tourism among Indonesians: a scoping review

• Gregorius Abanit Asa 1   na1 ,
• Nelsensius Klau Fauk 1 , 2   na1 ,
• Caitlan McLean 1 &
• Paul Russell Ward 1  

BMC Health Services Research volume  24 , Article number:  49 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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International medical travel or medical tourism is not a new phenomenon in many countries, including among Indonesians. Indonesia is reported as a major source of patients from the lower, middle, to upper classes for its neighbouring countries. This scoping review aims to synthesise evidence on supporting factors for Indonesians taking medical tourism and what needs to be improved in Indonesia’s health system.

We conducted a scoping review guided by a framework provided by Arksey and O’Malley. We systematically searched existing literature from 5 databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Wiley. Data were extracted based on study details, study design, characteristics of participants and results. Analysis followed the three-stage procedure outlined by Thomas and Harden: (1) coding the text line by line, interpreting the data and identifying concepts or themes; (2) developing descriptive themes by grouping similar concepts in theme and subtheme and (3) generating analytical themes by reviewing preliminary themes and discussing the addition or revision of themes.

A total of 25 articles were included in this review. The review highlights a broad range of facilitators for medical tourism among Indonesians: (i) availability of health services, medical specialities, and person-centred care, (ii) region adjacency, transport, and health agency, (iii) affordability of medical treatment, (iv) religious and socio-cultural factors, and (v) reasons patients reported distrust in Indonesian doctors.

The findings indicate improvements in the Indonesian health system are necessary if the increasing rates of international medical tourism by Indonesian people are to change. Addressing the factors identified in this scoping review through avenues including policy may increase people’s satisfaction and trust towards health care and treatment in Indonesia, thereby reducing the number of Indonesian people taking medical tourism.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

International medical travel or medical tourism is not a new phenomenon. It refers to the practice of patients travelling overseas for better medical treatment and relaxation [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] and can be traced back to the ancient times when Greek pilgrims travelled from the Mediterranean Sea to Epidaurus, a small territory known as the healing god [ 4 ]. People around the world have travelled to India for Yoga and Ayurvedic healing since the 1500s [ 4 ]. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Europeans travelled to spa towns in the south of France to treat their diseases as well as to enjoy the sun and escape from cold climatic condition [ 5 ]. Since the 19th century, more people have taken international medical travel to treat their diseases [ 6 ]. Medical tourism is correspondent with the growth of global health services, marked by increasing international trade in health products [ 7 ].

Available reports have suggested a significant increase in the volume of international medical travel has occurred since the late 1990s [ 7 ], ranging from thousands to millions every year [ 8 , 9 ]. Asia is among the biggest players driving international medical travel in affordable and high-quality care [ 10 ]. Some Asian countries, such as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and India, are considered the major international medical travel destinations [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Thailand has been known as a medical tourism destination since the 1970s [ 15 ]. Malaysia and Singapore have reformed the healthcare system since the 1980s, resulting in improved health quality services attracting people from neighbouring countries [ 16 ]. This is also supported by the advancement of infrastructure and technologies, allowing people to access health services easily and to be well-informed about global health. In the context of Asia, the development of international medical tourism was partly pushed by the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s, particularly caused difficulties and reluctance among many middle class Asia to access private healthcare, resulting in private hospitals generating new sources of revenue by targeting international patients [ 11 , 17 ].

Indonesians have been taking international medical travel to neighbouring countries with better healthcare services for many years. The range of Indonesians health condition treated in neighbouring countries include cardiology treatment (bypass surgery and angioplasty), orthopaedic procedures (knee and hip surgery), cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures (breast augmentation and facelifts), fertility treatment (in-vitro fertilisation and intrauterine insemination), dental treatments, ophthalmology procedures, neurosurgery procedures (brain tumours and spinal surgeries), and urology treatments (kidney stone removal and prostate surgery) [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Studies have reported that Indonesia is a major source of patients from the lower, middle, to upper classes for its neighbour countries [ 23 , 24 , 25 ] and has been the primary revenue contributor for Malaysian (> 75%) and Singapore (60%) medical tourism [ 26 , 27 ]. It is reported that nearly two million Indonesians travelled overseas for medical treatment in 2022 [ 28 ]. Of these, about 1 million travelled to Malaysia, 750,000 to Singapore, and the rest to Japan, the US, Germany and other countries, resulting in Indonesia losing 11.5 billion US Dollars (IDR 170 trillion) annually [ 28 , 29 ]. It is also reported that about 60% of Indonesians who took international medical travel were from Jakarta, 15% were from East Java, and the rest from other cities such as Medan, Batam, and Kalimantan [ 29 ]. Such loss has attracted the Indonesian government’s attention to curb international medical travel, which has started since 2010 by improving health facilities in West Kalimantan to stem people in West Kalimantan from going to Malaysia [ 30 ]. For example, the government invested USD 660,000 to provide magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners in the public Regional General Hospital Soedarso in Pontianak [ 30 ]. In 2012, an agreement between The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Ministry of Health was made as part of the effort to strengthen the partnership with Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) Hospital and the Courtyard by Marriott Bali Hotel and construct a new hospital equipped with world-class facilities in Sanur, Bali in 2016 [ 23 ].

Internationally, studies have suggested push and pull factors to explain why patients travel internationally for their medical care [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Factors included the cost of care in a person’s home country [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ] as well as patients’ concerns about quality of services, care, facilities and a lack of qualified doctors [ 33 , 34 ]. Some findings have also suggested that patients’ decisions for medical tourism are influenced by the availability and ease of travel and transportation to the designated countries and better procedures to access medical treatment [ 8 ]. Perceptions of faster and more convenient services in other countries, and distrust in doctors in home countries are also supporting factors for patients’ medical tourism [ 39 ].

Although there have been some reviews on international medical travel in some settings [ 8 , 39 ], there have been no reviews in the context of Indonesia. The authors considered it important to conduct a scoping review to synthesise evidence on reasons or supporting factors for Indonesians travelling overseas for medical treatment. The review was conducted to address a specific question: what factors facilitate Indonesian patients seeking medical treatment overseas? To determine whether there have been any previous reviews exploring topic of medical tourisms among Indonesians, we conducted a preliminary search in PubMed and CINHAL and found no ongoing or published reviews. This scoping review seeks to identify how Indonesia’s existing health care system could be improved to reduce international medical tourism.

To identify available evidence on the topic, we apply several steps suggested in a framework by Arksey and O’Malley and additional recommendations from Levac and colleagues [ 40 , 41 ]: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, and (5) accumulating, summarizing, and reporting the results. To guide the search strategy, this review aims to answer the following question: “what are the facilitators for Indonesians taking international medical travel?”.

Search strategy for identifying relevant studies

We developed inclusion and exclusion criteria to guide the search and selection of studies for this review (outlined in Table  1 ). The search included studies from 2000 to July 2023. This timeframe was justified as it aligns with an increase in the rate of international medical travel [ 25 , 34 ]. Data search was conducted from 1 to 10 August 2023 in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Wiley. These databases were chosen as they are among large citation databases providing access to literatures on health and tourism. The following key concepts were used across the databases: international medical travel/medical tourism, patients/travellers, facilitators, and Indonesian. We developed synonyms of the key concepts for the search. A full description of the search terms used for each database is in the supplementary file 1. The search terms were formulated using the combination of key terms or the synonym of each concept using Boolean terms (OR and AND). We also searched grey literature using the key concepts in google scholar and Google to increase comprehensiveness searching of available evidence. Data from across the databases was exported to Endnote and all duplicates were removed. The authors then screened the articles based on the title and abstract. The researchers (GAA and NKF) completed independent screening and blindly labelled each study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved by all authors. We also did manual searches of the reference lists of all studies included after screening. An example of a complete search string in Scopus is provided below:

“International medical travel” OR “medical tourism” OR “health tourism” OR “health travel” AND facilitators OR “supporting factors” OR reasons OR “push factors” OR “pull factors” AND patients OR travellers AND indonesia* OR indonesian.

Study selection and screening

Using developed search terms, 649 articles were identified. Of these, 75 were removed due to duplication in endnote software, leaving 572 articles. The remaining articles were screened according to titles and abstracts, resulting in removing 437 articles. We then screened the full texts of the remaining 137 articles. Of these, 118 articles were excluded due to not meeting inclusion criteria. Throughout the screening process, any disagreements were examined through discussion among authors, resulting in 22 articles being included. Three articles were found from the references of the previous literatures, and 3 literatures in Indonesian language were found through google scholar. Finally, 25 literatures were included in the scoping review (Fig.  1 full article screening process).

PRISMA Flow diagram of systematic literature search: records identified, screened, eligible and included in the review

Data extraction and synthesis (charting the data)

An extraction sheet was developed and used to extract the following information from each study: (1) study details: the last name of the first author, year of publication; (2) study design: type of study, study aim and analysis methods; (3) analysis, and (4) results (Supplementary File 2). Data extraction was conducted by GAA and NKF and results were read and discussed by all team members.

Data analysis

Analysis followed the three-stage procedure outlined by Thomas and Harden: [ 42 , 43 ] (1) coding the text line by line, interpreting the data and identifying concepts or themes; (2) developing descriptive themes by grouping similar concepts in theme and subtheme and (3) generating analytical themes by reviewing preliminary themes and discussing the addition or revision of themes. Finally, the major themes relating to Indonesian people undertaking international medical travel were identified and discussed.

Characteristics of included studies

An overview of the characteristics of the included studies can be found in the supplementary file 2. Of the 25 articles discussed in the review, 10 studies used qualitative methods [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ], 12 studies used quantitative methods [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 38 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Additionally, a mixed-method study [ 59 ], a conference review [ 60 ], and a review [ 23 ] were included. The studies included began from 2011 until 2022. 21 studies discussed Indonesian patients accessing medical treatment in Malaysia [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 39 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 55 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ], 4 studies examined Indonesian patients accessing medical treatment in Singapore [ 23 , 36 , 56 , 60 ], and 3 of the studies examined Indonesian patients accessing medical treatment in Thailand [ 23 , 35 , 36 ]. 22 articles were published in English [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 58 ], and 3 articles were published in Indonesian language [ 55 , 56 , 57 ]. Most participants were from middle to upper class background [ 20 , 21 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 47 , 54 , 58 , 61 ]. Participants from low economic status were reported in two studies [ 45 , 54 ]. The occupation of the participants included housewife, student, driver, office clerk, civil servant, professional, business owner, and retired [ 21 , 44 , 45 , 49 , 51 ]. The participants were from Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra, West Java, Nort Sulawesi, Riau, West Sumatra, Aceh, Bangka, and Kalimantan [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 54 , 56 , 58 ].

The review of the included studies is discussed in the following themes: (1) availability of health services, medical specialities, and person-centred care: (2) region adjacency, transport, and health agency: (3) affordability of medical treatment: (4) religious and socio-cultural factors: and (5) reasons patients reported distrust in Indonesian doctors.

Theme 1: availability of health services, medical specialities, and person-centred care

Health facilities and medical specialists.

Several studies reported that the availability of needed medical treatment, advanced medical technology, and medical specialists for specific health issues in other countries, which are not available in Indonesia have been amongst other main reasons for Indonesians travelling overseas for medical treatment [ 20 , 23 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 45 , 47 , 53 , 60 ]. For example, a study with elderly mothers in Medan, North Sumatra reported a lack of medical equipment for heart and stroke in the setting, leading some Medanese taking international medical travel to Penang, Malaysia for medical treatment [ 35 ]. Similarly, another study with married infertile Indonesian couples suggested that the unavailability of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) in healthcare facilities Indonesia is a supporting factor medical tourism among the Indonesian couples [ 36 ]. In addition, sperm and egg donation as well as surrogacy are strictly banned in Indonesia, giving Indonesian couples no choice but to travel overseas to access the required health service. Lack of medical specialists is another challenge in healthcare facilities in periphery regions of Indonesia. Healthcare facilities in periphery of Indonesia is reported to experience shortage of qualified doctors, and difficulties to retain qualified doctors for long term, leading patients to seeking qualified doctors overseas or in neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore [ 45 ]. Such situations are emphasised in Mahendradhata’s study on challenge and risks for healthcare tourism, suggesting that medical specialists, health facilities, and health technicians outside Jakarta are inadequately and unequally distributed, resulting in Indonesians seeking alternative medical treatment overseas [ 23 ].

The knowledge and experiences of well-organised and fast healthcare services in other countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore are also reported as factors attracting Indonesian patients to have medical treatment overseas [ 23 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 47 , 51 , 62 ]. For example, a study reported that it took one day with details clearly explained in a hospital in Penang, Malaysia to be informed about the results of blood test, and four days in Indonesia to receive the results of the same test [ 37 ]. Also, long queues for consultation with medical specialists and disorganised medical records were detrimental for patients’ health, resulting in patients making decision to have medical treatment overseas [ 62 ]. The experiences of complex medical processes and unnecessary requirements had also resulted in disappointment with the hospitals and their services and patients seeking medical treatment overseas [ 45 ]. Meanwhile, the experience of simple ease of making medical appointments with overseas hospitals or doctors from Indonesia through smartphones is also another supporting factor for medical tourism in among Indonesians [ 37 ].

Person-centred care

Several studies reported lack of person-centred care as a supporting factor for Indonesian patients seeking medical treatment overseas [ 45 , 47 , 59 , 62 ]. A study with Indonesian patients in Malaysia and Singapore suggested that patients experienced the feelings of care, respect and positive self-esteem through positive and supporting attitudes and behaviours of medical staffs towards them and their family members during medical treatment [ 45 , 59 ]. Such positive attitudes and behaviours of medical staff are reflected in being cheerful, and smiling while serving, and good communication with patients and their families, which also lead to positive patient-doctor relations [ 62 ]. Thus, studies with Indonesian patients accessing medical treatment in these countries suggested patients felt their dignity being maintained and respected and no frustration due to feeling unimportant or ignored [ 47 ].

Theme 2: region adjacency, transport, and health agency

Geographical and transport factors.

A few studies described several provinces in Indonesia are geographically closer to Malaysia and Singapore than to Jakarta as a supporting factor for Indonesians taking international medical travel to these countries [ 35 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 54 ]. Indonesian patients accessing medical treatment in Penang (Malaysia), were not only from North Sumatra and Aceh but also from Jakarta, East Java, West Java, and other regions in Sumatra [ 54 ]. Patients from Medan and Aceh in Indonesia stated that geographical proximity to Penang-Malaysia and reliability of transport through regular flights and ferries were supporting factors for them taking international medical travel [ 35 ]. These factors were reported to create much more comfortable feeling for Indonesian patients to access medical treatment in Malaysia than in Jakarta, Indonesia [ 44 ]. In addition, some studies reported that Indonesian patients from Kalimantan reached healthcare facilities in Kuching, Malaysia, by bus, taxi and uber (Grab) which are more economical than flying to Jakarta [ 37 , 41 , 44 ]. Taxi drivers were also reported to have knowledge of hospitals for international travellers as they often drove patients from overseas. Taxi drivers shared knowledge such as availability of specialised doctors, further supporting Indonesian patients seeking medical treatment in Malaysia [ 44 ].

Health agency

It was also reported that several Malaysian private hospitals have their official offices in Pontianak, Indonesia, that helped register customers, schedule consultations, and manage complaints [ 45 ]. This was also supported by contractual business between hospitals in Malaysia and certain local companies in Indonesia, acting as “medical representatives” that help facilitate patients to use medical care overseas. Such systems result in successfully recruited an average of 5000 patients per month [ 48 ]. A quantitative study found more than 90% of Indonesians travelling to Malaysia for medical treatment were influenced by marketing promotion programs including word of mouth, advertisements, sales promotion, and public relations [ 58 ]. The regular visitations of Malaysian doctors to Indonesia and holding health exhibition and public talks in temples, churches, and mosques in Indonesia, which introduce and disseminate medical treatment in Malaysia to the Indonesian, were also supporting factors for medical tourism among Indonesians [ 48 ].

Theme 3: affordability of medical treatment

Most of the included studies found that medical treatments in Jakarta and in Kalimantan were more expensive than in Malaysia, another supporting factor for medical tourism for Indonesian people [ 20 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 45 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 60 , 49 ]. For example, chemotherapy in Penang, Malaysia was reportedly cheaper than in Jakarta and Medan, Indonesia [ 37 ]. Patients were reported to receive free health consultation following medical treatment in Malaysia [ 52 ]. Meanwhile, patients in Indonesia tended to be asked for frequent paid visits and consultations with doctors, leading to increased medical costs [ 44 ].

For some Indonesian lower middle class patients, accessing medical treatment overseas was acknowledged to have additional financial burdens for transports and accommodations, however such treatment was still considered worthwhile compared to having treatment in Indonesia [ 45 , 46 ]. While for some Indonesian upper class patients, it is their preference to have medical treatment in Singapore and Thailand due to excellent health system and a very high quality of medical care, irrespective of the cost being more expensive in Singapore than Malaysia [ 36 ].

Theme 4: religious and socio-cultural factors

Studies also reported that the preference to have medical treatment overseas was also influenced by religious reasons, cultural background, and their attitudes towards private and public hospitals in Indonesia [ 35 , 36 , 38 , 60 ]. For example, a study suggested that Indonesian Muslim patients accessed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Malaysia due to compatible religious backgrounds feeling safer to be treated by Muslim doctors who knew about halal and haram in Islam law [ 36 ]. Similarly, Chinese Indonesian patients felt comfortable seeking medical treatment in Singapore due to its ethnic Chinese majority [ 36 ]. In addition, having a sense of class difference to native Indonesians and the perceptions that Indonesian government hospitals were for native Indonesians, were also reported as supporting factors for Chinese Indonesian patients to choose private hospitals overseas [ 35 ]. Another supporting factor for medical tourism among Indonesia patients is the sense of self-fulfilment for prestige it provides [ 53 ].

Social support from others (i.e., families, friends, and neighbours) through the provision of information about medical treatment overseas was also an enabling factor for Indonesians’ decisions to take international medical travel [ 21 , 22 , 44 , 45 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. For example, it was reported that around 60% of Indonesian patients took medical travel to Malaysia following recommendation from their families and friends who had either visited or lived there, while some acquired information through the internet (about 14%) and travel agents (around 12%) [ 21 ]. Other findings have also suggested that former Indonesian patients tended to share their experiences and recommended the services of medical specialists in Malaysia to their friends and family [ 45 ]. This is also supported by communication skills of Malaysian doctors in using Chinese dialects when communicating with older Chinese Indonesians [ 45 ].

Language similarities which create easy communication between Indonesian patients and other people or healthcare professionals in Malaysia were also contributing factors for the state of comfort for patients [ 37 , 45 , 59 ]. These were reported to make it easier for Indonesian patients to discuss and describe their health issues to healthcare professionals in Malaysia [ 37 , 45 , 59 ]. In addition, studies also reported that Indonesian patients who travel to Singapore and Thailand were from upper class background and were proficient with English and Chinese languages [ 37 , 59 ].

Theme 5: reasons patients reported distrust in Indonesian doctors

Most of the included studies reported a lack of trust in healthcare professionals as an influencing factor for Indonesian patients travelling overseas for medical treatment [ 35 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 53 , 49 , 63 ]. A study with patients in Pontianak, Kalimantan reported patients’ comparison of ineffective medications prescribed by Indonesian doctors in Pontianak and in Jakarta with medication received from doctors in Kuching, Malaysia, proving to bring positive progress to their health condition [ 44 ]. The ineffective medication was highlighted as the reasons for their multiple visits and consultations with medical doctors in Indonesia, which decreased their trust in the Indonesian doctors and supported their decision for medical tourism [ 44 ]. Patients’ distrust in Indonesian doctors (i.e., in Pontianak, Kalimantan) was also evidenced by the lack of accuracy in health issue diagnosis, leading to patients seeking a second opinion from doctors overseas and receiving different diagnosis results and treatment and experiencing positive health recovery [ 37 , 44 ]. For some patients, the lack of diagnosis accuracy and ineffective medication had led to long period of medical treatments in Indonesia without progress, which was a supporting factor for them seeking treatment overseas [ 44 ]. A couple of studies have suggested criticism and suspicion held by patients towards Indonesian doctors in Pontianak-Kalimantan. This distrust was linked prescription of a range of all antibiotics to patients without accurate diagnosis of the health issue and the tendency for doctors to overstate or exaggerate patients’ diseases [ 44 , 45 ]. For example, a patient had been scheduled for appendix surgery in Indonesia but was diagnosed with simple constipation in Penang, Malaysia [ 35 ]. The lack of trust and confidence in the Indonesian doctors in some settings had led to Indonesian patients travelling to neighbouring countries for medical treatment. They felt that doctors overseas provided clear information regarding the disease and the percentage of likelihood for a cure while patient’s in the studies reported Indonesian doctors in Pontianak were reported to sometimes hide the truth from them [ 45 , 54 ].

Distrust in doctors has been reported to lead to patients visiting Indonesian doctors only for ‘small things’ or health issues and considering taking international medical travel as a better option [ 35 ]. This is in line with another study reporting that some Indonesian patients did not dare to take risk for operation or surgery in Indonesia due to fear of malpractice or failed operation which may lead to negative outcomes including paralysis [ 46 ]. Negative perceptions towards doctors in Indonesia were also attributed to a claim that doctors easily made money via prescribing varieties of medicine for patients to consume which may potentially have high risks of overdoses [ 47 ]. Similarly, another study found that health professionals in Indonesia were reported as being arrogant, incompetent and untrustworthy, leading patients to express disdain to hierarchical medical culture that seemingly positions patients as passive consumers rather than active recipients [ 63 ].

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to synthesise the available evidence on factors supporting international medical travel from Indonesia. It is noted that the number of Indonesian patients from low, middle, and upper class participating in international medical travel has increased in recent years [ 28 , 53 , 64 ]. Our findings suggest that international medical travel by Indonesian patients is linked to five domains:(i) the availability of health services, medical specialities, and person-centred care in the designated countries, (ii) region adjacency, transport, and health agency, (iii) affordability of medical treatment in other countries, (iv) religious and socio-cultural factors, and (v) reasons patients reported distrust in Indonesian doctors.

Overall, our findings have highlighted that patient’s perceive low quality of Indonesian health care and treatment, resulting in Indonesia becoming the major supplier of patients to neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. This scoping review shows that patients seeking medical treatment outside of Indonesia do so due to a number of reported issues, including the unavailability of medical equipment, inadequate qualified doctors, and inadequate trained staff in healthcare facilities in remote and border areas of Indonesia. These factors have been identified as heavily influencing patients’ preferences to seek medical treatment overseas. This scoping review supports previous findings which have reported that Indonesia has a comparably low ratio of qualified doctors to patients, and most prefer to work in private hospitals in urban areas within Indonesia [ 65 , 66 , 67 ], resulting in understaffing and the maldistribution of skilled staff within periphery areas [ 68 , 69 ]. It is suggested that with a population of about 270 million, Indonesia needs 270,000 doctors [ 70 ]. Currently, Indonesia has only 110,000 doctors with the ratio of doctors to patients being 0.6:1000, which is very low compared to other countries, such as Malaysia with the ratio of 2.2:1000 [ 70 ].

Across studies, patients reported feeling frustrated, neglected and that they were not being provided with person-centred care within Indonesian health settings. Further, evidence suggests patients felt undervalued in Indonesian health systems and that their care was not prioritised. This was identified as stemming from factors including sparseness of health facilities, a shortage of qualified doctors, and trained staffs [ 69 , 71 ]. There is also evidence that patients sought more timely health care and treatment overseas as a consequence of long waiting time periods for medical treatment within Indonesia [ 72 ].

Reflecting upon geographical proximity, it is understandable that inequality of health facilities and medical staff distribution between Java and border areas or eastern part of Indonesia has contributed to patients’ decision to take international medical travel to the nearest neighbouring countries. Some regions in Malaysia such as Penang, Melaka, and Kuching are the most popular destinations for Indonesian patients. For example, Kuching can be accessed by air taking about 45 min and by land taking about 10–12 h, allowing lower-middle class patients from West Kalimantan to easily have access to medical services [ 35 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 54 ]. Having treatment in Malaysia is also supported by inexpensive transport costs compared to travel to Jakarta by plane which is 3–5 times more expensive. Reliable transport was also a contributing factor for patients seeking medical treatment overseas due to the convenience it afforded them [ 35 , 38 , 44 ]. Similarly, the reliability of services from health agencies overseas in connecting patients with foreign healthcare providers played a significant role in supporting Indonesian patients’ medical tourism and were reported to have accelerated medical tourism growth in countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand [ 73 , 74 ]. Health agencies were acknowledged to have added values to services, such as arranging pre- and post-treatment, travel arrangements, and scheduling tours in destination countries which increased the appeal of international medical tourism [ 73 , 74 ]. Our findings indicate that Indonesian patients participate in international medical tourism due to having limited access to adequate quality healthcare within the borders of Indonesia. Improvements in the access, coverage, and quality of healthcare throughout Indonesia, (specifically in less urban areas) may reduce the occurrence of international medical tourism and improve patient perception of local health services.

High cost of medical treatment in hospitals in Indonesia was another common theme discussed in the majority of studies [ 20 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 44 , 45 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 60 , 49 ]. Medical treatment in Jakarta, for example, was considered more expensive than in Malaysia which is well known as the most preferred international medical travel destination due to its excellent service and cost affordability [ 15 ]. Our findings suggest that healthcare facilities with modern technologies are also available in some hospitals in big cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, East Java, West Java, and Central Java, however some studies reported issues in the quality of medical services and treatment being offered [ 44 , 45 ]. This seemed to have resulted in an increased tendency for Indonesian patients to travel internationally to seek medical treatment and a second opinion from doctors. Moreover, different diagnostic results and faster recovery time received overseas undoubtedly have increased suspicion and distrust in medical treatment and doctors within Indonesia. Studies reported this was due to inaccurate diagnoses, ineffective medicines, incomprehensive assessment, and patients receiving inconsistent explanations regarding diseases [ 75 , 76 ]. Such negative experiences have shown to have implications on both interpersonal trust in doctors who provide treatment to patients and institutional trust, particularly with the education system that trained the doctors [ 77 , 78 ]. This in turn created negative perceptions towards the country’s health system.

Findings of this review have suggested similarities in religion (Islam) and culture (Malay and Chinese) were also factors that strengthened Indonesian patients’ preferences for medical treatment in other countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore [ 36 , 47 ]. In addition, the growing level of dissatisfaction towards healthcare services in public or government owned hospitals has also become the underlying reason for many Indonesian people from upper class or secure economic backgrounds seeking medical treatment overseas. Our findings strengthen previous reports suggesting a lower satisfaction of patients towards healthcare service and treatment in public hospitals compared to private hospitals in Indonesia [ 79 , 80 ]. The findings imply the need for the improvement of healthcare systems, medical treatments, and service delivery within the Indonesian public hospital sector.

Implication for future intervention

This study emphasises the importance of prioritising the improvement of domestic health systems within Indonesia, particularly within periphery areas. This includes ensuring the equitable distribution of quality healthcare facilities, medical equipment, technology, and the fostering of a strong national healthcare workforce. Increasing the number of medical specialists within Indonesia and improving standards of care nationwide (and not just in urban areas) may promote engagement with Indonesian medical services over international ones. It is anticipated that such improvements would result in increased local service utilisation and reduced medical tourism as patients regain trust in the healthcare system within Indonesia. These findings could also be used to inform Indonesian healthcare workers on patients’ perceptions and concern with care.

Implication for future study

This review suggests that there have been very limited studies involving Indonesian health workers or doctors in peripheral areas. Also, there have been very limited studies involving patients from Jakarta and other regions in Java that have contributed more than 50% of Indonesian patients taking medical tourism. None of the included studies involved policy makers from the Indonesian government and private sectors to explore their perspectives on the increased medical tourism among Indonesians. As there have been millions of Indonesian people travelling overseas for medical treatments, there is a need for further studies exploring the continuity and management of care for the patients returning home to Indonesia. Future studies that address all these aspects are recommended as the results can be used to inform and improve health policy and system and healthcare practice and delivery in Indonesia.

Strength and limitation of the study

Although there are many studies on international medical travel among Indonesian patients, to our knowledge, this is the first scoping review on international medical travel taken by Indonesians. The use of several databases for data search helped researchers identify a broad range of themes on this topic involving Indonesian patients. However, as this review only included articles published in English and Indonesia, we may have missed studies on this topic reported in other languages.

The review presents a range of supporting factors for Indonesian patients taking international medical travel, including the availability of health services, medical specialities, and person-centred care in other countries; region adjacency, transport, and health agency; affordability of medical treatment; religious and socio-cultural factors; and reasons patients reported distrust in Indonesian doctors. The findings indicate improvements in the Indonesian health system are necessary if the increasing rates of international medical tourism taken by Indonesian people is to change. Addressing the factors identified in this scoping review through avenues including policy may increase people’s satisfaction and trust towards health care and treatment in Indonesia, thereby reduce the number of Indonesian people taking medical tourism. The findings also indicate the need for establishment of international standard hospitals.

Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files.

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Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing (PHEHF), Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Gregorius Abanit Asa, Nelsensius Klau Fauk, Caitlan McLean & Paul Russell Ward

Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change, Kupang, Indonesia

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GAA and NKF contributed to all phase of the study including conceptualisation, format analysis, methodology, data analysis, writing original draft, review, and editing. CM contributed to review and editing. PRW contributed to methodology, review, and editing. All authors have read and approved of the final version.

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Asa, G.A., Fauk, N.K., McLean, C. et al. Medical tourism among Indonesians: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 24 , 49 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10528-1

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10528-1

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Encouraging the Realization of Medical and Wellness Tourism, WTN SUMMIT TIME 2023 Appreciated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia

Bali – indonesia.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) has expressed appreciation for and welcomed the implementation of the WTN SUMMIT TIME 2023 Forum. This event is particularly significant for its focus on Health Tourism, specifically Medical and Wellness Tourism. These aspects are considered new and promising for Indonesia’s future development.

Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy , shared these thoughts during the WTN SUMMIT TIME 2023 event held at the Renaissance Resort & Spa in Uluwatu, Bali , on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

“The potential for Indonesia to develop Medical and Wellness Tourism is substantial,” noted Vinsensius Jemadu .

On the other hand, The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy observed that, for years, many Indonesians have been seeking medical and wellness services in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which Indonesia could have provided. This was due to President Joko Widodo’s creation of a Special Economic Zone (KEK) for Health Tourism in Sanur.

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“This was specifically designed for Health Tourism in both Medical and Wellness aspects. So, we see that Bali is an ideal location to develop Health Tourism because it combines tourism and health, which is a global trend after the Covid-19 pandemic,” he explained.

Furthermore, he expressed pride in having a Special Economic Zone in Sanur that deals with Medical and Wellness Tourism, meeting international standards.

“Promotion and socialization need to be intensified. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism must work hand in hand to continually promote this,” he added.

The Sanur SEZ will be an integrated area equipped with general and specialized hospitals, hotels and resorts, commercial areas, and other supporting facilities.

WTN Summit TIME 2023 was also marked by a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Bali Medical Tourism Association (BMTA) and the Junior Doctors Network Indonesia with the World Tourism Network (WTN) regarding collaboration in promotion.

The Chairman of the Bali Medical Tourism Association (BMTA) emphasized that a new medical tourism zone in Sanur is seen as a unique model to advance this niche market in Bali and as a new trend for domestic and international medical tourism.

Dr. Peter Tarlow, President of WTN , who is also experienced in Medical Tourism, World Safety, and Security, stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in realizing the Sanur SEZ.

Even one of WTN’s founders, Juergen Steinmetz , announced the formation of a new task force facilitated by WTN to build information exchange and global opportunities in Medical Tourism.

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Hasil Pencarian

• Economy & Business

Indonesia to Build Bali International Hospital as Part of Medical Tourism

Dewi Elvia Muthiariny

Mahinda Arkyasa

19 June 2023 21:29 WIB

TEMPO.CO , Jakarta - Indonesian-owned hospital holding company, PT Pertamina Bina Medika Indonesia Healthcare Corporation (IHC) is committed to establishing Bali International Hospital (BIH), an international standard hospital in the Health Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Sanur, Bali. 

IHC is also committed to developing Indonesian medical tourism.

“This is due to the fact that two million Indonesians are still seeking medical treatment abroad,” IHC Main Director Mira Dyah Wahyuni said in a written statement on Monday, June 19, 2023.

She explained that the hospital will be supported by advanced technology and will have a center of excellence in Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Gastroentero-Hepatology, and Orthopedics. Not to mention the Medical Check Up (MCU) and diagnostic center services. 

All of them are aimed at ensuring that health services are provided in a comprehensive manner.

“Bali International Hospital is designed as a medical tourism service in Indonesia and is planned to operate in the second quarter of 2024,” Mira stated.

Standing on an area of five hectares with four floors and 260 wards, the hospital will have an environmentally friendly concept is projected to be developed as a green hospital.

In its operation, Mira went on, IHC collaborated with Mayo Clinic, which is the best hospital in the United States and is trusted in the health industry, in order to provide the best quality service for Indonesian people with international standards.

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• Vision & Mission

Bali International Hospital (BIH) is designed to become the leading medical tourism destination in Indonesia - managed by Indonesia Healthcare Corporation (IHC) and scheduled to open by the third quarter of 2024. BIH has been in consulltation with Mayo Clinic in the planning stages of the hospital. Located within the newly established Sanur-based Healthcare Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the hospital will stand on 67.465 M2 of covered space spread over four floors and provide 239 Beds, 38 intensive care units, 8 operating rooms, 4 Cathlabs and 5 Center of Excel-lences equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging ca-pacities.

Bali International Hospital is structured around centres of excellence, notably in critical illnesses management - Cardiology, Oncology and Neurology. In addition, Gastroenterology, Orthopaedics, and a Medical Check Up department are going to be fully integrated into this new world class hospital. Expert doctors, top surgeons and qualified staffs will be recruited to provide patient oriented medical services and compassionate care. BIH is also committed to delivering premier Balinese hospitality in the welcoming environment of a green hospital, where large natural areas adorned with lush tropical vegetation allow patients to experience healing time in a sanctuary of wellness and peace, along the seashore of Sanur.

FULL ADDRESS & MAPS LOCATION

Call Center : 150-442

Vision Statement:  

To become the premier medical tourism destination in Asia, recognized for our commitment to excellence in patient care, innovative medical treatments, and advanced medical technology.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to provide premium quality healthcare services to patients in Indonesia and from all over the world, with a focus on humanity with personalized care, compassion, and innovation. 

We strive to be a leader in modern medical tourism by continuously improving our facilities, technology, and expertise, and by building long-lasting relationships with our patients and their families. 

We are committed to provide professionalism, a safe and comfortable environment for our patients, team and experts , and to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work.

CORE VALUES AKHLAK:

1. AMANAH / TRUSTWORTHY:    Upholding the trust given

· Fullfill promises and commitments

· Responsible for the tasks, decisions and action taken

· Stick to moral and ethnical values

2. KOMPETEN / COMPETENT:  Continue to learn and develop capabilities

· Increase self competence to respond to ever changin challenges

· Help others leard

· Completing tasks of the highest quality

3. HARMONIS / HARMONY:  Caring for each other and respecting differences

· Respect everyone regardless of background

· Likes to help others

· Build conducive work environtment

4. LOYAL:  Dedicated & prioritizing the interest of the nation & state

-  Maintain the good name of fellow employees, leaders, SOEs, and the state

- Willing to make sacrifices to achieve greater goal

- Obey the leadership as long as it does not conflict with law and ethics

5. ADAPTIF / ADAPTIVE:  Continue to innovative and be enthusiastic in driving or facing change

- quickly adjust to get better

- continuously make improvement following technology developments

- act proactively

6. KOLABORASI / COLLABORATION:   build synergistic collaboration

-  Provide opportunities for various parties to contribute

- Open in working together to produce added value

- Monbilizing the use of various resources for common goals

27 Desember 2021  - Ground Breaking of Bali International Hospital by President Joko Widodo. 

1 November 2022  - Support from the national government and the local governance of Bali Province. Part of the support including the establishment of the government regulation regarding Special Health Economic Zone under Government Decree. Government Regulation (PP) RI No. 41 of 2022 regarding the Sanur Special Economic Zone was signed as remarks of the construction to start.

4 January 2023  - Ministry of Health issued regulation (Permenkes) No. 1 of 2023 regarding the implementation of healthcare business in Health Special Economic Zones. With the existence of (Permenkes) No. 1 of 2023, allows Bali International Hospital to have best medical experts (doctors and nurses) from Indonesia, Indonesian diaspora and if needed we also could have expatriate who has rare expertise or specialty. We also allowed by the regulation, to have specific medication or drugs as medical treatment for rare clinical conditions.

Latest Progress of Bali International Hospital Construction

IHC Realizes the Transformation of Medical Tourism in Indonesia

Denpasar, June 19, 2023 – PT Pertamina Bina Medika IHC (Indonesia Healthcare Corporation) / State-Owned Hospital Holding supports the balance of Indonesia's tourism destinations preservation by being part of the medical tourism realization in Indonesia.  

It is driven by the fact that there are still 2 million Indonesian citizens seeking medical treatment abroad, and IHC's commitment to developing internationally renowned hospital healthcare services, namely Bali International Hospital (BIH) in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Health in Sanur, Bali.  

President Director of IHC, Dr. Mira Dyah Wahyuni, MARS, stated that IHC is preparing for the Bali International Hospital’s operation, supported by advanced technology and centers of excellence abbreviated as CONGO (Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Gastroentero-Hepatology, Orthopedic). In addition, the hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services , including Medical Check-Up (MCU) and a diagnostic center.

"Bali International Hospital is designed to be a medical tourism service in Indonesia. The plan is to commence operations in the second quarter of 2024. It will be situated on a 5-hectare land with four floors and 260 wards. The hospital follows an environmentally friendly or green hospital concept, surrounded by 183 trees. Moreover, 123 trees have been relocated to prevent tree felling in the hospital area, ” explained Dr. Mira, IHC ’ s President Director , during the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2023 in Bali. [June 15-17, 2023]  

She further mentioned that in its operation, IHC is collaborating with Mayo Clinic, the number one hospital in the United States and a trusted name in the global healthcare industry. The goal is to provide the best quality services to the Indonesian people with international standards.

"Another advantage of Bali International Hospital is its location within the Bali Health SEZ, which facilitates healthcare professionals practice within the SEZ area. It also allows drugs and medical devices imports with BPOM approval within the Health SEZ area to fulfill patients’ needs with diseases such as cancer, who usually seek treatment abroad due to limited medications availability," she explained.  

"The convenience of these healthcare services is also supported by the Ministry of Health Regulation (Permenkes) No. 1 of 2023, dated January 4, 2023, regarding healthcare services in the Health SEZ provision," she added.

Another advantage of Bali International Hospital is its green hospital concept. It involves environmentally friendly designs, materials, technologies, and practices utilization to reduce negative impacts on the environment. By implementing this concept, BIH can reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create sustainable environmentally friendly practices. It is not only a short-term cost-saving investment but also a long-term investment in public health and environmental care.  

Previously, the groundbreaking or laying of the first stone ceremony for Bali International Hospital was attended and led directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, and other relevant ministers in December 2021.  

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, previously stated that through the State-Owned Hospital Holding, it is expected not only to provide healthcare services to the public but also to strengthen national health resilience. According to him, the State-Owned Hospital Holding role is expected to not only be able to inspire ease in serving the community but also to enhance its role in maintaining national health resilience, which can be achieved through four strategic objectives: providing quality healthcare services, expanding networks and scale, developing capabilities and innovation, as well as integrating and collaborating within the national healthcare ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso, revealed this positive step by Pertamina Bina Medika IHC is fully supported by Pertamina Holding. The effort to establish an international hospital in the healthcare economic zone also supports the tourism and healthcare sectors in the country. "As a subsidiary of Pertamina, Pertamina Bina Medika plays a role in providing access and optimal healthcare services for the Indonesian people," explained Fadjar.

PT Pertamina Bina Medika IHC/State-Owned Hospital Holding is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero) engaged in healthcare services. The company is also the parent company of state-owned hospitals , managing 36 hospitals and affiliated with 39 other hospitals, as well as 172 health clinics throughout Indonesia.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations. **

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Medical Tourism in Bali: A Critical Assessment on the Potential and Strategy for its Development

Author details, journal details.

As a cultural-based tourism destination in the world, the phrase medical tourism seems to be a new form of tourism for Bali. Meanwhile, medical tourism global market reached USD 439 billion (GHCR, 2017) and made it as one of the fastest growing tourism market in the world. The study aimed at identifying the potency of Bali as a medical tourism destination, analyzing the SWOT, formulating the strategies for its development and prioritizing which strategies to be implemented.

The method used were interpretative analysis, IFE, EFE and SWOT to formulate strategies and QSPM to prioritize which alternative strategies to be implemented.

The results confirmed that Bali has the potential to be a medical tourism destination as there are medical providers, competent doctors and paramedics, unique medical tourism products and increased in numbers of patients coming to Bali. The questionnaires also referred that 84% respondents stated that Bali is potential to be a medical tourism destination. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of medical tourism development in Bali are similar to other established medical tourism destinations in Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and India). The only difference is that Indonesian government has not taken any roles in the medical tourism development at any stage. Result also showed that medical tourism development strategy in Bali has to be intensive by doing product development, market penetration and market development.

Keywords: Medical tourism, Potency, Development Strategy, SWOT, QSPM.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License .

Copyright © Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

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Oka Purnamawati, Nyoman Darma Putra, Agung Suryawan Wiranatha. (2019-05-28). "Medical Tourism in Bali: A Critical Assessment on the Potential and Strategy for its Development." *Volume 1*, 2, 39-44

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Bali's Top International Medical Clinics and Hospitals for Quality Healthcare

Whether you're a tourist or local resident, access to quality medical care is essential during your holiday. Thankfully, as an international destination, Bali is home to some of the most prominent medical clinics and hospitals; providing top-notch medical services for your emergency or routine check-up occasion. Here we have listed some of the best international-standard medical centers in Bali that you can count for your needs. 

Bali's Top International Medical Clinics and Hospitals for Quality Healthcare

BaliMéd Hospital

With establishments in Denpasar, Negara and Karangasem area, BaliMéd Hospital is a reputable medical facility in Bali that provides comprehensive medical care services to both locals and tourists. offers a wide range of medical services, including general medical care, emergency services, surgery, and diagnostic imaging services. The hospital is equipped with modern medical facilities and advanced medical technology to provide high-quality medical care to patients. Providing easy access for patients from all over the island. BaliMéd Denpasar holds international standards of care for residents and tourists alike. The hospital has also received the highest KARS accreditation from Indonesia Ministry of Health.

BaliMéd Denpasar Jl Mahendradatta no 57X, Denpasar, Bali 80118 Phone: +62 361 484748

BaliMéd Negara Jl Hayam Wuruk No. 23,Negara, Bali 82218 Phone: +62 365 4501452

BaliMéd Karangasem Jl Nenas, Kecicang, Kec. Bebandem, Karangasem, Bali 80811 Phone: +62 363 4301618

Bali Royal Hospital (BROS)

Bali Royal Hospital / BROS is one of the island's most renowned private hospitals. Founded in 2013, it is equipped with modern medical facilities and advanced technology to provide high-quality medical care to patients. The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including general medical care, surgery, emergency services, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. Some of the medical specialties offered at Bali Royal Hospital include cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and gynecology, among others. Bali Royal Hospital also provides tourism services to international patients seeking medical care in Bali. The hospital offers assistance with travel arrangements, accommodation, and other support services to make the medical tourism experience as smooth as possible.

Jl. Tantular No. 6 Renon, Denpasar - Bali Phone: +62 361 222 588 Website

BIMC Hospitals

Bali International Medical Centre, commonly known as BIMC, is a renowned private medical facility located in Kuta, Bali. As a part of Siloam Group, it has become one of the most trusted and preferred medical clinics for both locals and tourists in the island. BIMC Hospital Bali is a modern and fully equipped medical facility that provides a wide range of medical services including emergency care, outpatient care, inpatient care, diagnostics, and surgery. In addition to medical services, BIMC Hospital Bali also offers health screening services, medical evacuation services, and travel medicine services. The hospital has a 24-hour emergency department and is equipped to handle medical emergencies of all kinds. BIMC Hospital currently operates in three different areas of Bali: Kuta, Nusa Dua and Ubud respectively.

BIMC Kuta Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 100X, Kuta 80361 Phone: +62 361 761 263 

BIMC Nusa Dua Kawasan BTDC Blok D, Nusa Dua 80363 Phone: +62 361 3000 911

BIMC Ubud Jl Raya Sanggingan No 21, Kedewatan, Ubud - Gianyar 80561, Bali, Indonesia Phone: +62 361 209 1030

Prima Medika Hospital

Since its first opening in 1982, Prima Medika has become one of the leading hospitals in Bali, providing high-quality medical services to patients. The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including general medical care, surgery, emergency services, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. Some of the medical specialties offered at Prima Medika Hospital include cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedics, among others. In addition to medical services, Prima Medika Hospital also provides health screening services, including full-body check-ups and cancer screening. The hospital also offers medical tourism services to international patients seeking medical care in Bali.

Jl. Raya Sesetan No. 10, Denpasar, Bali 80223, Indonesia Phone: +62 361 236225 Website

Prime Plus Medical

Established as a response to the growing demand of urgent care centers, Prime Plus Medical has been proven to be a perfect option for convenient and affordable medical care for various cases of non-critical conditions. Given that Bali is an exotic destination, many patients happen to be tourists or part-time residents of the busy southern part of the resort island where we happen to be based. With a deep understanding of this situation, Prime Plus Medical takes pleasure in its role of providing medical care for patients who are looking for local doctors or simply could not manage to schedule appointments for their medical care needs beforehand. As most urgent care centers, Prime Plus Medical commits to deliver an extensive range of services which include routine blood work, physical check-ups, dental care, IV vitamin therapy and more. When it is considered necessary, their dedicated team of doctors would direct patients to local hospitals and/or prescribe follow-up care. 

Jalan Subak Sari No. 90-A, Br. Dinas Tegal Gundul Canggu - Bali. 80361 Phone : +62 812 373 871 31 Website

SOS Medika Klinik Bali

For more than 35 years, SOS Medika provides round-the-clock services of family physicians, specialist and emergency support, as well as in-house pharmacy, imaging and laboratory in Indonesia. After successfullly established two medical center in Jakarta, they have expanded their wing to the island of Bali through SOS Medika Klinik Bali. With a complete team of trained general practitioners, specialist doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, laboratory experts and clinic staff to provide primary and emergency medical care through commitment to customer care and implementation of international standards healthcare services and infection/disease control. They places a strong focus on building relationships with patients to provide holistic care and disease prevention. 

Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 505X, Kuta 80221, Bali +62 361 720 100 Website

  Surya Husadha Hospital

Founded in 1987, Surya Husadha Group has since become one of Bali's leading medical center; providing top-quality health services to the patients. What started as a humble specialist doctor clinic gradually becomes a prestigious medical center with state-of-the-art equipment and skilled medical professionals to deliver the utmost quality of service for patient in need. Not only medical center, Surya Husadha Group now also run their own health education academy with professional instructur to create more prominent doctors and officers for national medical field. Surya Husadha Group currently runs several medical centers in Bali; namely Nusa Dua, Ubung and Denpasar. The hospitals are committed to providing affordable and accessible healthcare to the local community and international tourist alike, and it has established partnerships with various health insurance providers to make medical care more affordable for its patients. Overall, Surya Husadha Hospital Bali is a reputable and reliable healthcare facility that provides quality medical care to patients in Bali and beyond.

Surya Husadha Group Head Office Jl. Pulau Serangan No. 7 Denpasar, Bali - Indonesia Website

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Elon Musk arrives in Bali to launch Starlink satellite Internet service

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DENPASAR, Indonesia—Elon Musk arrived in Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on Sunday to launch Starlink satellite Internet service in the world’s largest archipelago nation.

The billionaire head of Tesla and SpaceX and owner of social platform X arrived by private jet on the idyllic “island of the gods,” which is renowned for its tropical beaches, terraced rice paddies, mystical temples and colorful spiritual offerings.

Musk is slated to launch the service alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo in a ceremony later Sunday at a public health clinic in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali. Musk will also sign an agreement on enhancing connectivity in the country’s health and education sectors, said Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who welcomed Musk at the airport.

Pandjaitan, a close ally of Widodo, did not provide more details about the agreement between the Indonesian government and Musk’s SpaceX, the aerospace company that operates Starlink services.

He said launching the service at a health clinic aligns with Starlink’s broader mission of providing affordable access to high-speed Internet services, particularly in underserved and remote regions.

Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands sprawled across three time zones with a population of more than 270 million.

“Our remote regions need Starlink to expand high-speed Internet services, especially to help with problems in the health, education and maritime sectors,” Pandjaitan told reporters ahead of the ceremony in Denpasar.

Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said earlier that local Internet providers, which rely on base transceiver stations to transmit signals, are unable to reach outer islands because they have limited coverage. Starlink’s satellites, which remain in low orbit, will help them deliver faster Internet speeds with nationwide coverage.

During his first in-person visit to Bali, Musk is also scheduled to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, which seeks to address global water and sanitation challenges.

Musk spoke in 2022 at the B-20 business forum ahead of a summit of the Group of 20 leading economies that took place in Bali. He joined the conference by video link weeks after completing his heavily scrutinized takeover of Twitter.

Musk’s visit comes just weeks after Apple CEO Tim Cook met Widodo on April 17 and said the company would “look at” manufacturing in Indonesia. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella visited on April 30 and said the company would invest $1.7 billion over the next four years in new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Indonesia.

Indonesia under Widodo has promoted development of the digital technology and information sectors, aiming to achieve the government’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision. The country hopes to become one of the world’s top five economies with a GDP of up to $9 trillion, exactly a century after it won independence from Dutch colonizers. Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.

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Elon Musk launches Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia, world's largest archipelago

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DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — Elon Musk traveled to Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on Sunday to launch Starlink satellite internet service in the world’s largest archipelago nation.

Wearing a green Batik shirt, Musk was greeted with a garland of flower petals at a community health clinic in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali, where he launched the Starlink service alongside Indonesian ministers.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands sprawled across three time zones with a population of more than 270 million, has been trying for years to secure deals with Musk's Tesla on battery investment and for Musk’s SpaceX to provide fast internet for the country’s remote regions.

During the ceremony, Musk took a speed test of the Starlink internet service with several health workers in Indonesia’s remote regions, including in Aru, one of Indonesia’s unserved and outermost islands in Maluku province.

“This can make it really a lifesaver for remote medical clinics, and I think it could be a possibility for education as well,” Musk told reporters.

“If you can access the internet and then you can learn anything and you can also sell your business services worldwide. So, I think it’s going to be incredibly beneficial," he said.

He also signed an agreement on enhancing connectivity in the country’s health and education sectors. Details about the agreement between the Indonesian government and Musk’s SpaceX, the aerospace company that operates Starlink services, were not provided.

Launching the service at a health clinic aligns with Starlink’s broader mission of providing affordable access to high-speed internet services, particularly in underserved and remote regions, said Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

“Our remote regions need Starlink to expand high-speed internet services, especially to help with problems in the health, education and maritime sectors,” Pandjaitan, a close ally of Indonesia's President Joko Widodo , told reporters. He held separate talks with Musk on Sunday.

Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said earlier that local internet providers, which rely on base transceiver stations to transmit signals, are unable to reach outer islands because they have limited coverage. Starlink’s satellites, which remain in low orbit, will help them deliver faster internet with nationwide coverage.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said of the more than 10,000 clinics across the country, there are still around 2,700 without internet access.

“The internet can open up better access to health services as communication between regions is said to be easier, so that reporting from health service facilities can be done in real time or up to date,” he said.

During his first in-person visit to Bali, Musk is also scheduled to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, which seeks to address global water and sanitation challenges.

Musk spoke in 2022 at the B-20 business forum ahead of a summit of the Group of 20 leading economies that took place in Bali. He joined the conference by video link weeks after completing his heavily scrutinized takeover of Twitter.

Musk’s visit comes just weeks after Apple CEO Tim Cook met Widodo on April 17 and said the company would “look at” manufacturing in Indonesia. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella visited on April 30 and said the company would invest $1.7 billion over the next four years in new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Indonesia.

Indonesia under Widodo has promoted development of the digital technology and information sectors, aiming to achieve the government’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision. The country hopes to become one of the world’s top five economies with a GDP of up to $9 trillion, exactly a century after it won independence from Dutch colonizers.

Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.

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Outrage As Bali’s Canggu Listed As ‘New Moscow’ On GoogleMaps

Posted on Published: May 14, 2024

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Bali lovers have had mixed responses to a new listing on Google Maps.

The booming tourism resort of Canggu has been given a new listing as “New Moscow” on the app, sparking outrage from locals and tourists alike. 

Although the new listing is unofficial and has not replaced or removed any of the official listings or area demarkations on the app, the listing of ‘New Moscow’ or in Russia’s Cyrillic alphabet ‘New Mokba’ has got the internet in a fluster with netizens citing colonialism and insensitive jokes as the reasons for their outrage. 

The response from the online community has been so intense that top officials have issued statements on the matter.

The Head of Public Relations of the Bali Police, Commissioner Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, has come out to say that the police are going to investigate whether there are any legal ramifications for the listing. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Canggu Bali News (CBN) (@canggubalinews)

Commissioner Pol Panjaitan told reporters,  “There has been no change in what applies in Indonesia. The map is still called Canggu.” He confirmed that police are approaching the situation as an ill-judged prank. He said, “We don’t know yet [why this happened]. We will coordinate; who did it, or was it just for fun.”

Speaking separately, the head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, said that he was not concerned about the change on GoogleMaps. He compared the tag to place names like ‘Chinatown’, ‘Little India,’ and ‘Paris Van Java.’ 

@giorga.com The best hotspot in Canggu, Bali 🌴 #bali #balitravel #balitips #backpacking #indonesia #canggu #hotspotscanggu #tipscanggu #hotspots #tips #beachclubs #restaurant #breakfastspots #lunchspotsbali #balitips #balihotspots ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Pemayun told reporters, “If in Bali there is New Moscow [used] as a term, it doesn’t matter as long as the residents in that place still obey all the rules and regulations that apply in Indonesia, and don’t cause problems with the local communities around them.”

However innocuous it may first seem for Canggu to have a new GoogleMaps listing as “New Moscow,” the reason for outrage by local communities is rooted in genuine concerns.

Since the start of the Russian-Ukraine war, the number of Russian citizens visiting and staying long-term in Bali, specifically in the Canggu area, has risen dramatically.

The number of Russian-backed property development projects in Canggu and across the province has skyrocketed, too.

With more and more community and agricultural land being sold off to Russian investors (and plenty of other investors, too), more tensions between locals and foreigners in Canggu have arisen over the last year or so. 

@propertia.bali Canggu is not always about the cold bath, gym, and Jungle padel! Here are some of the activities you can try in Canggu, Bali! ✨❤️🌴 #hometour #bali #villa #tiktokproperty #realestatebali #villainbali #baliliving #realestateagent #propertyinvestment   #investment #workshop #perfumemaking #pottery #activities #bowling ♬ original sound – Propertia Bali

Many local people feel that a new wave of colonization has hit Bali with Russian investment leading the way, since the pandemic.

Many feel that the New Moscow listing is a representation of a much larger issue at play which is seeing the needs and wants of Russian (and other foreign) investment put before the needs and wants of local people, local communities and Bali’s cultural heritage. 

It is unlikely that the police will find any legal violations with the new listing, despite Indonesia’s strict online censorship rules.

Despite much animosity towards Russian and Ukrainian visitors and investors in Bali, it remains the case that the most frequent international arrivals to the island hail from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and China.

That said, most Russian visitors to Bali are residing on the island on long-stay socio-cultural visas or pre-investment visas.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economies Sandiaga Uno recently confirmed that before the war broke out, most Russian and Ukrainian citizens were staying on the island for just 1-2 weeks; since January 2023, data shows that stays are now over 90 days.

Last year with incidences of badly behaved tourists and foreigners on the island rising Bali created the Tourism Task Force who were given the mission to crack down on foreigners breaking the conditions of their visas by working, conducting business activities or even engaging in illegal activities such as drug use. 

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Saturday 18th of May 2024

"Many feel that the New Moscow listing is a representation of a much larger issue at play which is seeing the needs and wants of Russian (and other foreign) investment put before the needs and wants of local people, local communities and Bali’s cultural heritage".

Regardless of the feelings toward Russians and Ukrainians, the Indonesian government and local authorities allowed these things to happen. Corruption is the name of the game. Money is more powerful than laws.

Give it about 10 years and Bali will be on the World Map as NEW RUSSIA.

Sunday 19th of May 2024

@Firechef, wait till Trump gets re-elected in the US. I shudder to think when November comes.

Friday 17th of May 2024

All of the Russians in Bali are kind, sensitive, do not steal from stores, do not make porno films, never fight or get drunk or do drugs. They also never work in online fraud, start illegal businesses of any sort. or are involved in any cybercrime at all, never.

@sharty, Tell me that YOU are being sarcastic?? Otherwise a Russian troll on here...

@sharty, You forgot that they also are churchgoers and donate food and clothes to any poor Balinese who asks and their home is always open to the homeless and sick. I should know, I'm the POPE of Bali, the All Knowing!

Thursday 16th of May 2024

Lighten up, it's someone having a bit of fun. A bit like calling the Kuta/Legian area Ozbalia or Sanur Snore.

@Shorty, Sanur is "Snore"? Not really.

Gullible tourists believe they choose Sanur because it is "family friendly" while areas of Sanur is actually a filthy hotbed of x-rated business including likely human trafficking. Some of this business is well integrated into the tourist zone.

Only a few months ago it was in the news about a raid in one area detaining 30+ of these "workers" resulting in violence and attack on the civil police station.

The local leaders of course blame all this x-rated business on tourists while actually these hot spots are frequented by the locals!

Had some more fun...Sanur has been pinned Snore

Your edit has been accepted Your edit to Ozbali has been accepted. Note that some changes might take up to 24 hours before appearing on Google.

It doesn't take any particular skill. Just follow the Maps prompts. Subject to Google approval, I've just pinned Ozbalia on Kuta Beach.

Darryl Knight

Just do not go to Canggu if you don't like Russians. You either want their money or you don't.

@Darryl Knight, it’s not about their money!! It’s about their attitudes toward non Russians. It’s about the war and so on...