Bali forum advances business matching as financial-center plan takes shape

Denpasar — The Bali–Timor-Leste Business Forum 2026 discussed business and investment matching, including B2B, B2G and investment-to-project matching, as the Indonesian government considers Bali for an International Financial Center alongside Jakarta. The forum took place in Denpasar on Oct. 2.

The change comes as officials seek to broaden Bali’s economy beyond tourism. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said the government was preparing Bali as an International Financial Center to support wider business and economic activity, while Jakarta would be tried first.

Bali’s proposed financial role would widen opportunities beyond tourism

For foreign residents, investors and visitors, the proposal signals a possible expansion of Bali’s role from a tourism destination into a venue for finance, investment, trade and related business services. The reports describe a proposed development, not an operating financial center, and do not state that new rules for foreign residents or visitors have taken effect.

The forum was held at Awan Auditorium 3, Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center, in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone in Serangan, Denpasar. It brought together government representatives, investors, businesspeople, financial institutions, academics and business associations from Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Its agenda included trade, investment, innovation and financial collaboration.

The event used a “From Dialogue to Deal” approach. Reported follow-up activities included business matching, investment matching, B2B, B2G and Investment to Project Matching, with the aim of developing business cooperation, investment projects, memorandums of understanding and letters of intent.

Pigai said the proposed financial-center role was intended to encourage other businesses and economic activities beyond tourism. Republika reported that the wider sectors could include agriculture, fisheries, forestry and business-support services, while infrastructure and regulatory support would be needed.

Sources

• detikBali — established regional news organisation
• Republika — established national news organisation
• nusabali.com