Bali Positioned as Indonesia’s Next Global Finance Hub Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Indonesia is moving forward with plans to turn Bali into an international financial center, betting on the island’s reputation for stability to draw foreign capital during a period of rising global tensions. Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto announced that the government is drafting regulations to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) for the financial sector in the Kura Kura Bali area, a designated SEZ on the island’s southern coast.

The initiative follows a statement from President Prabowo Subianto, who cited the conflict involving Iran as a reason for creating a dedicated financial hub for investors looking to move assets out of more volatile regions. “Indonesia is considered one of the safest countries,” Prabowo said. “We plan to create a special financial center.”

Authorities hope the project will strengthen Indonesia’s image as a safe haven for international capital, leveraging Bali’s established brand as a stable global destination. The Kura Kura Bali SEZ, managed by Bali Turtle Island Development, is already building a “knowledge district” that includes an innovation center and an international mangrove research facility. In the first quarter of 2026, the zone attracted 1.62 trillion rupiah (about $93 million) in investment and created more than 2,100 jobs.

Another economic driver on the island is the Sanur SEZ, focused on medical tourism. That zone pulled in 5.37 trillion rupiah (roughly $310 million) in investment during the same period, generated over 5,400 jobs, and welcomed nearly 280,000 visitors.

Nationwide, Indonesia recorded 250 trillion rupiah (around $14.4 billion) in foreign direct investment in the first three months of 2026, according to official data.