DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The Bali Tourism Board has expressed support for a proposed policy that would require foreign tourists to have mandatory travel insurance when visiting Indonesia, particularly Bali, as part of efforts to strengthen tourist safety and the overall tourism ecosystem.
Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board, Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adyana, said the policy would help tourism operators manage safety and emergency situations involving foreign visitors more effectively. He noted that the requirement would reduce the burden on local stakeholders when tourists experience accidents or health issues during their stay.
“It’s a good idea, so we don’t have to worry too much if something happens to them,” he said in Bali on Friday (30 January).
Agung Partha explained that most foreign tourists already hold travel insurance from their home countries. However, in practice, some of these policies are difficult to access or activate from Indonesia, which can complicate emergency handling and delay assistance.
He highlighted cases involving tourists from certain regions, including parts of Eastern Europe, where insurance systems are not always well integrated internationally.
“Some insurance policies from Eastern Europe are not well connected with our system. They are not commonly used here, and that can create difficulties when handling emergencies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Supervisor for Insurance, Guarantees, and Pension Funds at the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Ogi Prastomiyono, stated that the proposed mandatory travel insurance is intended to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem rather than benefit specific insurance providers.
He confirmed that OJK is currently coordinating with relevant ministries and institutions to study the policy framework.
“OJK views the plan for mandatory travel insurance for foreign tourists as a measure to protect visitors, manage risks, and support the strengthening of the national tourism ecosystem, not to favor any particular party,” Ogi said in a written statement released on Tuesday (27 January).
The proposed policy is expected to focus on improving tourist protection, streamlining emergency response, and ensuring clearer financial responsibility in the event of accidents or health incidents involving foreign visitors.