Following a weekend of protests across cities in Indonesia, including Bali’s provincial capital Denpasar, embassies, consulates, and consular affairs agencies have been issuing travellers with updated advice for the region.
On August 28, 2025, demonstrations took place across Jakarta as public anger grew after a series of new policies and decisions were introduced by the Indonesian Central Government, which many in the public sphere have described as ‘tone deaf’.
One of the biggest triggers behind the demonstrations was the decision to allow salary and allowance increases for members of parliament.
Amidst rising costs of living and an increasingly challenging job market in Indonesia, the new policies allow members of parliament to claim an increased housing allowance in addition to all other benefits, which increases the take-home pay of over IDR 100 million a month.
This comes in contrast to a minimum wage in the capital of IDR 5 million, which is notably even lower in many other parts of the country.
Tensions escalated and further protests and demonstrations were organised in cities nationwide after a 21-year-old GoJek driver was run over and killed by an armoured police vehicle on the 28th August.
The death of Affan Kurniawan sparked outrage nationwide, and thousands attended a rally of solidarity at his funeral on the 29th August. President Prabowo Subianto personally visited the Kurniawan family, and the police issued a formal apology and confirmed the arrest of the officers driving the vehicle.
Demonstrations were recorded across almost all major cities in Indonesia, including in Bali’s Denpasar. Protests took place on Saturday and Sunday night in Bali, with the majority of the demonstrations taking place in Renon in Denpasar, away from the busiest tourist resorts.
Security forces were widespread in their presence across Denpasar, and Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster even visited the scene. By and large, the rhetoric from Bali officials has attributed the ‘anarchistic’ behaviour of demonstrators to non-Balinese Indonesians residing in the province, though the identities of the more than 150 people arrested in connection with the unrest in Bali have not been made public.
Following the demonstrations, embassies and consultancies have issued updates to tourists, travelers, and expats in Bali and Indonesia more broadly with updated advice. Many embassies in Jakarta have been closed since Friday, though consular support remains available.
Australia’s travel advice bureau, SmartTraveler, issued updated advice on 1st September 2025 to explain “Large protests with potential to escalate into violence and property damage are occurring across major cities in Indonesia, including Denpasar, Bali, causing disruption and impacting local traffic movements. Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates.”
SafeTravel, the New Zealand travel advice bureau, issued reviewed caution level updates on 1st September. SafeTravel shared “Demonstrations, often large-scale, are a feature of Indonesian life, especially in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities.”
“Most demonstrations pass without incident, but we advise New Zealanders to avoid all demonstrations, rallies, and large crowds as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. They can disrupt public transport and restrict access to certain locations. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local news, and follow the advice of local authorities.“
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urging Irish citizens in Indonesia. “Public demonstrations have been occurring in several regions across Indonesia, including Jakarta and Bali.”
“Tensions have been reported in certain areas, including clashes between demonstrators and security forces. “
“Further demonstrations are expected to take place and have the potential to turn violent. Any Irish citizens in Indonesia should exercise a high degree of caution and closely follow the instructions of the local authorities.”
UKGov has shared that “in August 2025, protests have taken place in major cities across Indonesia, including violent clashes and fatalities. Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and student and political rallies as they can become violent without warning.”
Tourists traveling in Bali and across Indonesia should not engage in any protesting or demonstrative activities, and should stay away from areas where these activities are taking place.
These are not spaces where tourists or international visitors should enter, even to observe what is happening.
Not only can the situation on the ground change at a moment’s notice, but even being present in these spaces as a foreigner can be deemed by the authorities as participation in political activities, which violates the conditions of almost all visa categories.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.