Koster: War Drives People to Seek Peace in Bali

Bali Governor Wayan Koster is optimistic that escalating global conflicts resulting from the war between the United States and Iran will actually have a positive impact on Bali. According to him, the situation of war is causing Bali to become increasingly sought after by foreign tourists because they are searching for peace.

“Because there is war, people are seeking peace and coming to Bali, so visitor numbers are increasing,” said Koster at the Brimob Police Command Centre of the Bali Regional Police, Thursday (12 March 2026).

He explained that despite the world being marked by various conflicts, tourist visits to Bali continue to show positive trends.

Koster emphasised that Bali remains a safe destination for tourists to visit, even amid the emergence of several criminal cases involving foreign nationals in recent times.

“No, it remains safe. Bali remains safe to visit. Visitor numbers are increasing; these are just individual cases,” he said.

The statement was made by Koster while responding to several questions regarding Bali’s security, following the discovery of a case involving a Ukrainian citizen who was kidnapped, with her body found dismembered in the Ketewel area, Gianyar Regency.

Previously, investigators from the Bali Regional Police confirmed that the body parts discovered in the Wos Teben River Estuary, Ketewel Village, Sukawati, belonged to a Ukrainian citizen who was reported missing due to a kidnapping case in the Jimbaran area, South Kuta.

Nevertheless, Koster considered the case to be an incident that does not reflect the overall security situation in Bali. The Bali Provincial Government, along with law enforcement authorities, continues to ensure that the security situation on the Island of the Gods remains conducive for both residents and tourists.