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.
Foreign and domestic companies are increasingly investing in tourism and education projects on Serangan Island in southern Bali, Indonesia. The area, designated as a special economic zone with reduced corporate tax rates, saw Mitsubishi Estate and partners open a large outlet mall in late July. Located about 20 minutes by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the area is being called Bali's 'last frontier' for development.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially opened the 2026 National Gateball Open Tournament for the Governor's Cup at GOR Ngurah Rai in Denpasar on August 6. Running through August 8 as part of Bali Province's 68th anniversary celebrations, the event features athletes from seven provinces and offers a first-ever total prize of Rp150 million, aimed at strengthening sport tourism on the island.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has designated Nusa Dua, Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, and the Nusa Penida Islands as low-emission zones to enhance the sustainability of Bali's tourism sector. Hotels, restaurants, villas, and other buildings in these areas will be required to adopt solar power, use electric vehicles, and reduce single-use plastics. The move is partly driven by concerns that Bali's power demand will exceed capacity by 2027, risking rolling blackouts in tourist areas.
AYANA Resort Bali, a large complex in the Jimbaran area, offers 14 pools, a massive kids' playground, Montessori-based programs, and nanny services for families traveling with children. The resort also features adults-only areas, making it a destination designed to satisfy both parents and kids.
Indonesia's Semarang Immigration Office announced it will strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals following the discovery of a 'love scam' syndicate case involving four Chinese fugitives. The office plans to boost intelligence capabilities and expand information sharing with law enforcement and foreign diplomatic missions.
The Japanese power-action film 'Cargo Dragon: Powered Human Battle Courier,' directed by and starring action actor Ken Daito, is scheduled to be screened in Bali, Indonesia in September 2026. The screening is planned as part of an arts festival and at educational institutions, marking part of Japan's efforts to promote its films overseas.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized S$8,500 in cash from the office of the South Jakarta Immigration Office chief amid an ongoing investigation into extortion and bribery linked to foreigners' stay permits. Eight suspects, including a former immigration deputy minister, have already been detained, and searches have also been conducted at immigration offices and visa agencies in Bali.
Indonesia's Finance Minister announced the postponement of a new tax on major e-commerce marketplaces including Tokopedia, Shopee, Lazada, and Blibli. The 0.5% income tax withholding scheme, originally set to take effect August 1, 2026, will be delayed until the economy and purchasing power improve. The policy affects foreign residents and small business owners in Bali who sell goods through these platforms, and no new implementation date has been set.
Indonesian developer Ciputra Group has broken ground on Senja Beach Club, a new premium lifestyle facility within its 60-hectare Ciputra Beach Resort in Kedungu, Tabanan, Bali. Located about 15 minutes from Tanah Lot and facing the Indian Ocean, the club will feature dining areas, a pool bar, and event spaces. The project is part of efforts to boost tourism and property investment appeal along Bali's western coast.
Indonesian carrier TransNusa announced it will launch direct flights from Jakarta to Bangkok starting July 6, 2026, and from Bali to Phuket starting September 9, 2026. Fares for Thailand routes start from IDR 2.3 million (including 20kg baggage), as the airline aims to position Bali and Phuket as tourism 'twin islands.'
Mitsubishi Estate has opened a large outlet mall called "Sila Village Grand Outlet Bali" in Bali, Indonesia, with a total project cost of about 14.5 billion yen and roughly 130 stores including international brands like Hugo Boss and Nike. Located about 20 minutes by car from Bali's international airport, the mall aims to attract spending from tourists and affluent shoppers.
The Indonesian Tourism Scholars Association (ICPI) has highlighted four key challenges facing Indonesia's tourism sector: high aviation fuel costs, expensive domestic flight tickets, visa-free entry policy, and the need to maximize economic benefits for local businesses. ICPI specifically called for a review of visa-free policy toward reciprocity and better oversight, linking it to concerns about a 'shadow economy' and rising crime in Bali.
Students at Fukuchiyama Seibi High School in Kyoto Prefecture donated children's books to a local library, purchased with proceeds from selling cocoa made from Bali-grown cacao. The initiative is part of a fair trade program supporting cacao farmers in Bali.
Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that foreign tourist (wisman) visits to Bali reached 3.2 million during the first half of 2026 (January-June). The data indicates that Bali continues to attract strong international tourist demand.
A Belarusian national living in Amed, Karangasem Regency, is being questioned by the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office after allegations that he removed Indonesian citizens from a local WhatsApp community group. Authorities are also examining whether his business activities, including garage sales, comply with permit and tax regulations.
A Belarusian national living in Amed, Bali, is being questioned by the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office over allegations he removed Indonesian citizens from a WhatsApp community group. A Regional Representative Council member had called for scrutiny of both the alleged discrimination and the legality of his commercial activities.
Management of Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport confirmed that a bomb threat circulated via electronic message on the night of August 2, 2026, was false. After following standard security procedures, authorities found no credible basis for the threat, and airport operations and services have continued normally and safely.
According to Bali's statistics agency (BPS), star-rated hotel occupancy reached 64.87% in June 2026, up 3.71 points from the previous month. Five-star hotels recorded the highest occupancy at 72.34%, with officials attributing the rise to an increase in higher-spending foreign tourists despite a slight overall decline in visitor numbers.
Sira Village, a new open-air shopping and cultural venue in Bali, attracted 60,000 visitors in its first three days after opening on July 31, 2026. Visitors included local Balinese residents, domestic tourists, and foreign tourists, drawn by its seaside setting, cultural performances, and local small business bazaar.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced new direct flight routes between Jakarta-Bangkok and Denpasar (Bali)-Phuket, as part of broader tourism and investment cooperation. The routes are expected to boost health tourism and cruise travel between the two countries.