Bali’s Bold Vision: Aspiring to Become a Leading International Trade and Transit Hub
Bali, Indonesia — December 16, 2025
Bali, renowned globally as a top-tier tourist destination, is embarking on a transformative journey to establish itself as an international trade and transit powerhouse. The island’s leadership envisions Bali evolving in stature to rival prominent cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur—not only maintaining its tourism appeal but also significantly enhancing its role in global commerce and connectivity.
Strategic Initiative Gains Momentum
A pivotal moment in this vision’s advancement came on December 10, 2025, when Bali’s tourism and business leaders convened for a business roundtable held at the Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai Hotel. The meeting attracted a wide range of stakeholders invested in Bali’s growth, including representatives from the Bali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) Bali, the Bali Tourism Board, and associations such as ASITA Bali and Organda. These organizations collectively are shaping the blueprint to elevate the island’s status as a crucial international gateway for trade and tourism.
Emphasis on Strengthened International Partnerships
One of the highlighted participants was I Putu Winastra, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Bali, who underscored the importance of cultivating stronger business and tourism relationships between Bali and Kazakhstan. Winastra pointed out that expanding these ties is a central goal of the ongoing discussions, particularly focusing on enhancing tourism exchanges that could diversify Bali’s visitor base.
While Bali currently welcomes tourists from Kazakhstan, the number remains modest compared to neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, which host up to 300,000 Kazakh tourists annually. Winastra noted a significant opportunity exists, given Kazakh tourists’ tendencies to stay long and spend generously during their visits.
Overcoming Connectivity Challenges
A key obstacle identified in attracting more Kazakh tourists is the absence of direct flights from Kazakhstan’s major cities—Almaty and Astana—to Bali. Presently, travelers must transit through other countries, which creates additional travel time and inconvenience, potentially deterring visits.
To remedy this, coordinated efforts between Winastra, the Kazakh Embassy, and Indonesian officials are underway to establish direct air routes. Such connectivity improvements would considerably enhance Bali’s accessibility for Kazakh travelers and stimulate tourism growth from this market.
Potential for Visa-Free Travel
Further bolstering Bali’s appeal to Kazakh nationals is the prospect of visa-free travel arrangements. Winastra expressed hope that this policy could be introduced, following Indonesia’s successful implementation of visa-free access for South African visitors earlier this year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bali’s visa-free regime included countries like Australia, reinforcing the feasibility of such measures in boosting international arrivals.
Expansion of Air Connectivity
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s primary gateway, is gearing up for significant expansion during 2025. Over a dozen new international and domestic flight routes will debut, including an important new short-haul flight connecting Denpasar with Jember in East Java. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of the airport, emphasized that these additions are critical not only for tourism but also for fostering broader regional economic growth.
“The new routes enhance connectivity between Bali and other key Indonesian regions,” Shahab remarked. “This opens new doors for business, trade, and tourism, which are essential to the island’s future.”
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Bali’s multifaceted approach—expanding its air links, pursuing visa facilitation, and cultivating international business alliances—reflects a comprehensive strategy to position the island as a global trade and transit hub.
By addressing infrastructure, regulatory, and partnership dynamics, Bali is steadily upgrading its capacity to serve as a critical nexus for global travelers and commerce. This ambition aligns seamlessly with Bali’s established reputation as a premier leisure destination, now set to complement its leisure appeal with vibrant business and trade opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As Bali advances these strategic initiatives, the island is poised to strengthen its economic resilience and global stature. Enhanced connectivity will boost visitor numbers from diverse markets, enrich local industries, and contribute to a vibrant, sustainable future.
Bali’s evolution into a leading international trade and transit center stands as a testament to the island’s commitment to innovation and growth—charting a path forward that promises benefits for residents, businesses, and the global community alike.
Add a comment