Balinese Economist Urges Bali Finance Hub to Diversify Economy

Denpasar — Gede Ngurah Ambara Putra, a Balinese economic practitioner and cultural observer, urged the central government on Oct. 11, 2026, to consider Bali as a development center for the Indonesia International Financial Centre, or PFII.

The proposal comes as the government discusses the structure and location of the new international financial hub. President Prabowo Subianto has announced Jakarta as PFII’s temporary location while leaving open the possibility of development in Bali and other regions. Bali’s role remains under government evaluation.

Ambara said an internationally oriented financial center could create a new source of growth beyond conventional tourism, attract international investment and support wealth management. He proposed dividing functions between the two cities, with Jakarta serving as the national onshore financial center and Bali as an international offshore hub.

Why Bali’s finance-hub proposal matters

For foreign investors and financial firms, the proposal would represent a potential expansion of Bali’s economy into higher-value services rather than a change to existing entry or residence rules. The article does not announce a new visa, tax or licensing regime for foreign residents or visitors.

Ambara said the idea would require appropriate policies and protection for Bali’s local environment and culture. Any development would also need further study of the legal framework, financial-services supervision, infrastructure readiness, investment certainty and its economic effects on Balinese communities.

The proposal therefore remains an argument for consideration, not a confirmed decision to establish PFII in Bali. The source states that the government is still evaluating the location.

Sources

• NusaBali — regional news organisation
• suara.com
• idxchannel.com
• investortrust.id
• brighton.co.id