On the evening of September 26, 2026, hundreds of truck drivers staged a protest that completely halted operations at Ketapang Port in East Java. The disruption spread to Bali's Gilimanuk Port, causing traffic queues exceeding 7 kilometers that had not fully cleared by the afternoon of September 27.
Things to Consider: If you are planning to cross from Bali to Java via the Gilimanuk-Ketapang ferry, expect significant delays and consider departing much earlier than usual or postponing your trip until conditions stabilize. Impact on Denpasar airport flights is limited, but if you're traveling overland by bus or rental car toward Java, check local traffic updates from Polres Jembrana or ASDP beforehand, follow officers' instructions, and avoid attempting to cut into queues. Given that similar disruptions have recurred multiple times in 2026, consider alternative options such as flying instead of the ferry if your schedule is time-sensitive.
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.
Things to Consider: If you plan to travel from Bali to Java via Gilimanuk Port, consider departing several hours earlier than planned or postponing your trip until the protest situation calms down. Check local news and social media for real-time traffic updates, strictly follow police officers' instructions at checkpoints, and avoid cutting into other lanes. If you have a ferry booking, contact the ferry operator in advance to inquire about possible delays.
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.
Things to Consider: Foreigners staying in Bali should verify the type of visa or stay permit they hold and confirm that their activities fall within its permitted scope. Working in any capacity—including as a DJ—on a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival is illegal; those earning income should switch to a proper work visa or KITAS. Regularly check your visa expiration date via your passport or apps like M-Paspor to avoid overstaying. Since joint immigration operations occur without advance notice, it is advisable to always carry your passport and relevant stay permit documents.
Indonesian travel platform tiket.com is celebrating its 15th anniversary with an 'OURversary' campaign from August 3 to 17, 2026, offering discounts and cashback on domestic and international flights, hotels, and activity tickets, including Jakarta-Denpasar (Bali) flights.
The third edition of the Surya Metu Festival opened at Tanjung Kerambitan Beach in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, running for four days under the theme of marine conservation and cultural preservation. The event includes coral planting, sea turtle hatchling releases, traditional art competitions, and support for local small businesses.
Indonesia's Audit Board (BPK) has endorsed the immigration directorate's selective visa policy and recommended a thorough review of plans to reinstate broad visa-free entry (BVK) for 169 countries, warning it could reduce state revenue by up to Rp 3.02 trillion annually. Despite selective visa measures, foreign arrivals in 2023 still exceeded 10.6 million.
Indonesia's government announced plans to strengthen investment and tourism in Q3 2026 to sustain economic growth. Foreign tourist arrivals in Bali exceeded 600,000 in June, up 4.63% month-on-month, while East Nusa Tenggara saw a 40%+ year-on-year increase. A new Bali-Phuket direct flight route is expected to further boost visitor numbers.
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.