Bali Reaffirms Tourist Safety Despite Demonstrations at Police Headquarters
Jakarta, September 3, 2025 — The Bali Provincial Tourism Office has assured visitors that the island remains safe and welcoming despite recent demonstrations that escalated near the Regional Police Headquarters and the Regional House of Representatives Office in Denpasar on August 30. Head of Bali’s Tourism Office, I Wayan Sumarajaya, emphasized that tourism activities continue unhindered throughout the island. “Bali remains safe and conducive for all tourists. Although there were demonstrations at the Bali Regional Police headquarters and in downtown Denpasar, activities at tourist sites are still running normally, as usual,” he confirmed.
Sumarajaya highlighted the strong collaboration among stakeholders in the tourism sector—including hotels, transportation providers, tourist attractions, and local communities—all dedicated to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for visitors. “Everyone understands very well that the comfort and safety of Bali are essential, so public demonstrations and expressions of aspirations to the government do not disrupt tourism security and convenience,” he added.
The demonstrations came amidst a wave of protests across Indonesia, prompting several countries, including Australia, to issue travel advisories. Australia’s Smart Traveller website currently classifies Indonesia at Level 2, which advises travelers to exercise increased caution due to potential risks such as escalating protests and security disruptions. The advisory specifically cautions about large protests across major Indonesian cities, including Denpasar, Bali, that may cause disruptions and impact traffic flows. Travelers are urged to avoid demonstrations and monitor local news for updates.
In response, the Bali Provincial Government respects these international advisories, acknowledging them as prudent precautions. “We highly respect when a country advises its citizens about travel if there are security concerns in a certain country, but I hope this situation will not last long,” Sumarajaya said.
Tourism remains a vital pillar for Bali’s economy. According to data from the Bali Statistics Agency (BPS), nearly 4 million international tourists had visited the island as of July 2025, with July registering a peak of 697,110 visitors in a single month.
Despite the unrest, the atmosphere at key tourist destinations remains calm, with cultural festivals and other activities proceeding as scheduled. Balinese communities continue to uphold their hospitality, ensuring that visitors experience the island’s renowned warmth and tranquility.
Travelers planning to visit Bali are encouraged to remain informed, exercise normal precautions, and enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty with confidence in their safety. The Bali Provincial Tourism Office continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with security authorities to maintain public order and ensure a positive experience for all tourists.
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