Tourism Minister Assures Bali Remains Safe Despite Travel Advisory from South Korea

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has responded to the travel advisory recently issued by the Embassy of South Korea in Jakarta. “We express sympathy for a number of incidents that occurred in Bali involving foreign tourists,” said Widiyanti in an official statement received by Kompas.com on Thursday (9/4/2026). Previously, the Embassy of South Korea to Indonesia advised its citizens to exercise greater caution when visiting Bali on Wednesday (1/4/2026). This advisory was then updated on its official website on Friday (3/4/2026). Widiyanti added that these incidents are a serious concern for the government and law enforcement authorities. Each case, she continued, is being handled comprehensively in accordance with applicable legal provisions. “We emphasise that these events do not reflect the values of hospitality and security that have long been the main strengths of Indonesian tourism,” Widiyanti stressed. The police are committed to enhancing several security aspects, including conducting regular risk assessments at hotels, entertainment venues, and tourist destinations. As well as cracking down on the misuse of residency permits to maintain local security and economic stability. And requesting tourism industry players to improve guest verification systems to ensure that every accommodation manager implements orderly and integrated procedures for reporting foreign nationals’ data. Finally, security in Bali will also be tightened by regulating motor vehicle rentals for Foreign Nationals (WNA) who do not have official permits or commit traffic violations. “We continue to monitor the development of the situation and coordinate with various relevant parties to ensure that tourist destinations in Indonesia remain safe and conducive for both domestic and foreign tourists,” she explained. “The Indonesian government remains committed to maintaining Bali as a safe, comfortable, and world-class tourist destination,” she added. “Indonesia will continue to welcome tourists from all over the world, including from the Republic of Korea, to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Indonesian tourism,” Widiyanti concluded.