Leaders in Bali are clear in their commitment to ensuring public safety, especially that of tourists on the island, in light of this week’s protests and demonstrations.
On August 28, 2025, demonstrations were held across major cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta and Denpasar, Bali.
On Tuesday, 2nd September, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster issued a statement to prospective tourists traveling to Bali, and those already in the province, to confirm that all conditions on the ground remain conducive to a safe and comfortable stay.
The press release from the Governor’s Office explained, “The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, stated that the demonstrations in Bali have ended and were successfully managed through close cooperation between the Governor and security forces, along with active participation of religious councils, Desa Adat (traditional villages), Pecalang (traditional security personnel), and all components of society.”
The statement concluded “He also warmly invited tourists from all countries, as well as domestic visitors, to come to Bali and enjoy its natural beauty, the hospitality of its people and the diversity and uniqueness of Balinese culture.”
It is not only Governor Koster and the provincial government that have given their assurances that all efforts will be made to ensure tourists are safe and welcomed in Bali as usual, but the traditional village security teams, known as pecalang, too. Speaking from Niti Mandala Field, during a pecalang rally of solidarity for peace, the Head of the Balinese Pecalang, Nyoman Beker, shared, “We, the Balinese Pecalang, are ready to cooperate with the state security forces, including the TNI, the Indonesian National Police, and all components of society in maintaining security, peace, and order in Bali.”
He added, “We, the Balinese Pecalang, will defend Bali in a spiritual way from the actions of any party that disturbs and desecrates the sanctity of Balinese land.”
Bali Police have also been carrying out increased night patrols across the island, including in Denpasar and the surrounding areas. In a statement, Bali Police explained, “Synergy is our strength. We join hands with Pecalang, our partner in keeping customs safe.”
“We believe Bali’s peace is a joint responsibility. Through these efforts, we not only maintain security but also nurture the foundation of quality tourism. Because Bali is our home, let’s keep it together.”
Tourists in Bali and traveling to Bali in the coming days can expect to see an increased police, military, and pecalang presence across the island, particularly around police and government buildings, including immigration, and within densely populated city areas such as Denpasar and Singaraja, as well as the airport.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association Bali (PHRI), I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, has been clear that Bali will remain a safe and comfortable place for tourists.
He told reporters, “Regarding the current situation and conditions in Indonesia, of course, as representatives of these countries, they are advising them to be cautious, and that’s perfectly natural, especially given the numerous demonstrations.”
“However, as long as it doesn’t compromise tourist safety, it won’t have a significant impact on visits to Bali.”
Suryawijaya has no fear that the unrest in Bali, nor around Indonesia, will impact tourism in the short or mid-term. He shared, “By the end of August, I predict we’ll reach our target of 4.6 million international visitors. Tourists from Australia, India, and China remain stable.”
He added, “I’ve seen it firsthand, as I’ve been around, and it’s all running smoothly. Tourists can still continue their journeys to Ubud, Sanur, Karangasem, and other destinations. The distances aren’t far, and everything is still safe.”
Suryawijaya concluded, “We have a special expectation from the government regarding tourist guarantees. We hope the government will continue to accommodate public aspirations and address any public dissatisfaction promptly.”
“Demonstrations are normal in any democratic country, as long as they are not anarchic and do not disrupt the comfort of tourists. Therefore, we also urge that demonstrations be conducted in an orderly manner.”
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.