DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has firmly dismissed circulating social media claims suggesting a decline in foreign tourist arrivals, calling the narrative misleading and inconsistent with official data. He stressed that Bali remains safe and well-prepared in terms of weather conditions, security, and tourism services through the end of 2025 and into early 2026.
“This information is completely untrue and constitutes misleading hoax news,” Koster said on Wednesday (December 24), responding to online claims that Bali has seen a drop in international visitors.
According to provincial data, international arrivals throughout December 2025 have shown an upward trend. Koster noted that from December 1 to December 22, daily foreign arrivals consistently increased, surpassing 22,000 to 23,000 visitors per day after December 19.
Cumulatively, Bali recorded more than 6.8 million foreign tourist arrivals from January through December 22, 2025. “Following December 25, arrivals are expected to continue rising, with total international visitors projected to reach around 7 million by December 31,” he said.
The governor highlighted that this figure represents a significant recovery and growth compared to previous years. In 2024, Bali welcomed approximately 6.3 million foreign tourists, while in 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic, the figure stood at around 6.27 million.
“An estimated 7 million foreign visitors in 2025 would mark the highest number Bali has ever recorded, even exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” Koster stated.
While international tourism has strengthened, Koster acknowledged a decline in domestic travel. From January to December 22, 2025, domestic tourist arrivals reached about 9.1 million, down from 10.1 million in 2024. As a result, total tourist visits in 2025 stood at approximately 15.9 million, slightly below the 16.4 million recorded the previous year.
On weather conditions, Koster assured that Bali remains in a safe situation. Based on information from BMKG, rainfall levels are expected to remain within normal seasonal patterns, ranging from light to heavy but staying below 100 millimeters per day.
He also confirmed that there is no longer any threat from tropical system 93S, which had dissipated after being active between December 12 and 19.
“With these weather conditions, the likelihood of major flooding in Bali is considered low,” he said.
From a security standpoint, Koster emphasized that Bali is in a stable and controlled condition. He cited joint inspections conducted with the Bali Police Chief and related agencies as part of preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The provincial government has also strengthened airport service readiness at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Evaluation meetings have been held with airport operator Angkasa Pura, along with immigration and customs authorities, to improve service quality at both international and domestic terminals. The goal, Koster said, is to minimize waiting times at immigration and baggage claim.
He further reminded foreign visitors to comply with local regulations, including Governor’s Circular No. 7 of 2025 on behavioral guidelines for foreign tourists, which outlines clear do’s and don’ts while in Bali. Tourism operators were also urged to maintain service standards and act responsibly to protect Bali’s image.
Koster concluded by calling on all parties to refrain from spreading negative or misleading narratives. “Let us work together to safeguard Bali’s nature, people, and culture with responsibility and respect,” he said.