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.
Indonesia's tourism sector investment reached Rp39.68 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 16.64% year-on-year, according to the Tourism Ministry. More than half of this investment remains concentrated in Greater Jakarta and Bali, with limited international flight connectivity and environmental risks cited as key challenges.
Bali Police's cybercrime unit have arrested two suspects behind separate online scams promising visa changes for work in South Korea and job opportunities in Australia, with total victim losses of about Rp313 million. While the victims were Indonesian nationals, the case highlights tactics—social media outreach, staged payment requests, fake documentation promises—that foreign residents and travelers should also watch for.
Bali Police's Cyber Crime Directorate arrested two suspects, identified as IKS and IGRY, for defrauding Indonesian migrant workers with false promises of jobs in South Korea and Australia. The suspects allegedly claimed they could arrange visas and documents, extracting large sums of money over nearly a year.
A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives for Bali has called for stronger legal protections for casual daily workers long employed in the tourism sector, citing regulations that should convert long-term daily workers to permanent status. The discussion, held during a public forum on Bali's 2027 minimum wage, also addressed the gap between current wages and the cost of living. While there is no direct impact on tourists, the debate could influence labor conditions and service costs in Bali's hospitality industry over time.
On October 21, 2026, hundreds of workers and students staged a protest outside the Bali Governor's Office in Denpasar demanding a higher minimum wage (UMP). Governor Wayan Koster personally met the protesters and pledged to raise wages, though the exact amount will be determined through further discussion with labor and business representatives.
A crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE, rooted in 14 years of orphanage support in Bali, aims to bring traditional Balinese products—herbal jamu, sun-dried salt, coffee, and handmade hijabs made by orphanage children—to Japan. The project seeks to create a sustainable cycle where product sales generate local employment and support for the orphanage.
A member of Indonesia's House Commission XIII has called on the Directorate General of Immigration to strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals, urging an integrated system covering arrival through ongoing activities in the country. The lawmaker also called for better coordination with police, the labor ministry, and local governments, with Bali and Batam cited as areas needing risk-based oversight.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism reports record growth over the first two years of President Prabowo's administration, with foreign visitor arrivals reaching an all-time high of 15.39 million in 2025. Bali was also named Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best Destination in the World 2026,' and growth has continued into 2026.
Bali Tech Week 2026 is being held October 19-23 at the Bali Beach Convention Center in Sanur, organized by Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The event brings together startups, investors, and tech companies from more than 35 countries, with over 900 business meetings scheduled.
At the opening of ICANN's 87th Annual General Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia's Communications and Digital Minister announced that authorities have taken action against more than 4.2 million pieces of online gambling-related content as of October 2026. This marks the first time Indonesia hosts an ICANN public forum, drawing international internet delegates to Bali.
Belitung's regency government has proposed a tourism connectivity concept linking Bali, Belitung, and Bangka (3B), aiming to let visitors to Bali extend their trips to these islands. The plan involves developing flight and sea transport links as well as joint promotion, though it remains at a conceptual stage with no confirmed routes or timeline yet.
Badung Regency in Bali received two Best Regency Destination Awards—for accessibility and attraction—at the Indonesia Tourism Marketing Week Conference 2026. The regency is pursuing a 'Beyond the South' strategy to spread tourism benefits to northern Badung and has outlined plans for new roads and integrated transport.
Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait off Lampung Province, erupted multiple times on October 18, with the highest ash column reaching about 500 meters above its summit. The volcano is far from Bali, and no direct impact on Bali's airport operations or tourism has been reported at this time.
Waskita Realty has broken ground on a new club house at its Vasaka Bali housing development in East Denpasar. The roughly 12-hectare residential project, which includes pools, a gym, and a jogging track, is located on a route connecting Denpasar and Ubud.
Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs and the UNDP have launched the 'Sungai Lestari' (Sustainable Rivers) Program in Bali, aiming to reduce plastic waste from rivers reaching the ocean. Kicked off with a mangrove cleanup, the initiative seeks to protect coastal and marine ecosystems that underpin Bali's tourism economy.
Denpasar Immigration Detention Center in Bali transferred 27 foreign detainees to facilities in other Indonesian provinces, including Papua and East Nusa Tenggara, between January and September 2026 to reduce operating costs. The move comes as the facility's meal budget covers only 30 of its 80-person capacity. Most detainees were held for overstaying visas or involvement in security and public-order disturbances.
A US citizen, Ronald Edward Lavoie, has filed an unlawful act (PMH) lawsuit against his ex-wife, identified by initials HCP, over a plot of land and villa in Sawangan, Bali. Although the land certificate (SHM) is registered under his ex-wife's name, Ronald claims he personally funded the purchase and construction, and the lawsuit was triggered after the property was advertised for sale without his consent.
Bali's narcotics agency (BNNP) detained two Chilean tourists and one Indonesian national for allegedly smuggling about 4.59kg of cocaine through Ngurah Rai International Airport. Authorities are now hunting a foreign suspect believed to be the ringleader, suspecting links to an international drug trafficking network.
Long queues at fuel stations across Bali have caused traffic congestion, prompting travel agencies to shift tour itineraries to closer, less crowded destinations. According to ASITA Bali, no tour cancellations have been recorded so far, though concerns remain about delays affecting airport transfers.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said tourism remains safe despite fuel queues at several gas stations caused by a delayed fuel tanker. He stressed that Bali's fuel quota has not been reduced and that the local government and Pertamina are working to normalize distribution.