A Ukrainian woman and a Russian man working as hair stylists at a salon in Tibubeneng, Badung, have been deported from Bali after immigration authorities found they were working outside the scope of their residence permits. The Russian man was also working as a freelance DJ. Both have been proposed for a five-year entry ban.
Things to Consider: Remote Worker visas (ITAS Remote Worker) are strictly for remote work on behalf of an overseas employer and do not permit direct paid work at local businesses such as salons, bars, or event venues in Bali. Employment-based ITAS holders must also ensure their actual job duties match what was declared by their sponsoring company. Anyone considering side jobs or freelance work (e.g., DJing, styling) should verify in advance with immigration authorities or a licensed visa agent whether such activity is permitted under their current visa category, as violations can result in deportation and a five-year entry ban.
On the morning of September 27, 2026, a protest by thousands of truck drivers at Ketapang Port in East Java restricted port access, causing a 3.5km vehicle queue toward Gilimanuk Port on the Bali side. Police have deployed additional personnel to manage traffic and report the situation remains under control.
State tourism developer ITDC is constructing two groins along the Peninsula Island coastline in Nusa Dua, Bali, to protect against beach erosion. The project also includes road upgrades and improved access to Waterblow, with construction progress reaching 58.53% as of early September 2026.
Corporate law firm ANSUGI LAW announced its expansion into Bali on September 25, 2026, appointing lawyer Haganta Tarigan as Partner of its Bali office. The move responds to growing demand for legal services as Bali's business ecosystem expands beyond tourism into property, investment, and technology sectors.
Indonesia's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office detained four foreigners—an Egyptian man, two Russian men, and a Nigerian woman—during a joint operation in Canggu, Bali. Three were suspected of misusing their stay permits to work as DJs at a nightclub, while the woman had overstayed her visa by 402 days.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster told Russian international media that Bali tourism must be based on culture, quality, and dignity. He noted that foreign tourist arrivals reached 7.05 million in 2025, with tourism contributing 66% of Bali's economy, and called on foreign visitors to help protect Balinese culture and customs.
On September 27, 2026, the first-ever Pelangi Tabanan Kite Festival was held at Batu Tampih Beach in Kediri, Tabanan, drawing 1,501 participants from across Bali. The event aimed to preserve traditional kite culture while showcasing the beach as a tourism destination.
Bali tourism officials explained to visiting Kenyan journalists how the island's tourism policy is guided by the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—harmony between people, nature and the divine. The article outlines Bali's zoning rules, foreign tourist levy, and 'Dos and Don'ts' code of conduct as tools to balance tourism growth with cultural and environmental preservation.
Bali's provincial government reports that around 5,000 villa and tourism businesses have applied for operating permits between 2025 and 2026, as part of an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed establishments. Governor Wayan Koster said licensed hotels are now seeing occupancy rates of 80-90%, while unlicensed budget accommodations are struggling to attract guests. Hotel and restaurant tax revenue has also risen by more than Rp 300 billion year-on-year.
At a meeting in Denpasar, the Speaker of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD) emphasized addressing Bali's waste problem through a 'green democracy' framework balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Bali has become the first location in Indonesia for a waste-to-energy (PSEL) facility, as the provincial government strengthens waste sorting and management policies.
Four foreign nationals from Iran and Pakistan, wanted in connection with a theft reported in Gianyar, Bali on September 17, 2026, were arrested by police in Cepu, Blora Regency, Central Java. The arrest was carried out at the request of Gianyar Police, and the suspects have since been transferred back to Bali for further legal proceedings.
A foreign national identified as JFD failed to pass through the autogate at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, leading to a customs inspection that uncovered 0.2 grams of cocaine hidden inside their passport. Authorities also discovered the individual held dual passports from Ireland and South Africa, and the case has been handed over to police.
Indonesia's meteorological agency BMKG has warned that coastal areas of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province—including parts of Lombok, Sumbawa, and Bima—face a risk of tidal flooding from September 26-30, 2026, with sea levels potentially reaching 1.9 meters due to the Harvest Moon. High waves of 2.5-4 meters are also expected in nearby straits and the Indian Ocean south of NTB.
Bali Police reported 161 criminal cases in 2026 involving 182 foreign nationals as suspects, while 218 cases involved 239 foreigners as victims. The report also revealed a shortage of investigators affecting case handling capacity.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has declared sports development a key pillar of regional growth, aiming to position Bali as more than just a tourism destination. He expressed dissatisfaction with Bali's current national ranking of fifth and called for stronger, systematic athlete development.
Ayasan Holdings, a home service provider operating in Thailand, will expand into Hua Hin and Khao Yai from October 2026, strengthening villa management and senior care services. The company also plans to enter Bali, Indonesia, reflecting growing demand for second homes and long-term stays among affluent residents in the region.
Bali's hotel and restaurant association (PHRI) says the upcoming MotoGP Mandalika race in Lombok, scheduled for October 9-11, 2026, is expected to benefit Bali's tourism sector as teams and spectators often stay in Bali due to limited accommodation in Lombok, with many extending their trips afterward.
Indonesia's national police (POLRI) collaborated with environmental NGO Seasoldier to plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings at the Mangrove Arboretum Park in Pedungan, Denpasar, Bali. The event, tied to the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) conference in Bali, aims to address coastal erosion that studies say is among the fastest in the world.
PT Angkasa Pura I officially closed its integrated monitoring post for the G20 Summit on November 18, 2022, after successfully handling arrivals and departures of world leaders' aircraft during the summit held November 15-16 in Bali. The company reported that regular commercial flights at Ngurah Rai Airport and eight other supporting airports continued smoothly despite the special security arrangements.
Following a mugging targeting a Malaysian tourist near Kerobokan/Seminyak and Canggu on September 13, North Kuta Police have intensified night patrols in popular tourist areas. Separately, a viral video showed foreign nationals allegedly stealing cash from a shopkeeper in Tabanan, and a French national was deported from Bali after overstaying his visa by 100 days.
Bali's Chamber of Commerce (Kadin Bali) is pushing the government to review the Online Single Submission (OSS) licensing system and reassess the Rp10 billion investment threshold for the Golden Visa, arguing it is now relatively low and allows foreign capital into sectors traditionally run by local small businesses. The chamber also raised concerns about foreign investors using local partners only to meet formal requirements while retaining full control of businesses.