DENPASAR, Bali — South Korea has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise caution when visiting Bali, following a string of high-profile violent crimes involving foreign nationals on the island.
The warning, published on April 1, 2026, on the official website of the South Korean Embassy in Indonesia, highlights growing safety concerns amid recent criminal incidents targeting tourists.
The embassy cited several serious cases, including the kidnapping and murder of a Ukrainian national, the fatal assault of a Dutch citizen, and the rape of a Chinese national in Bali.
The advisory comes as Bali Governor Wayan Koster acknowledged a rise in security disturbances, linking the trend to the rapid growth of tourism on the island.
“Security issues have emerged. Recently there have been killings, theft, and other incidents. This must be addressed,” Koster said during a session at the Bali Provincial Legislative Council on Monday (April 6, 2026).
He added that the provincial government has coordinated with law enforcement authorities to ensure perpetrators face strict legal consequences under Indonesian law.
Koster also emphasized the need to improve the overall quality of tourism, including encouraging responsible behavior among visitors.
“We must steer toward quality tourism—visitors who come with good intentions, good conduct, respect for Balinese culture, and compliance with local regulations,” he said.
Tourism Data and Context
Despite the recent incidents, Bali continues to record strong tourism numbers.
Between January and March 2026, the island welcomed more than 1.6 million international visitors, alongside over 968,000 domestic tourists during the same period.
In 2025, Bali recorded 7.05 million international arrivals. The island also contributed Rp312 trillion (approximately USD equivalent) to Indonesia’s tourism foreign exchange earnings in 2024.
Chairman of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council, Dewa Made Mahayadnya, maintained that Bali remains a safe and attractive destination.
“Based on the data, Bali is still considered safe and comfortable, and easily accessible,” he said.
He added that sustained growth in both international and domestic arrivals reflects continued global confidence in Bali as a leading tourism destination.
“Looking at global travel trends, Bali still ranks among the top destinations. China may be higher, but there is no need for concern,” he added.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this article may contain minor inaccuracies
in names, locations, or event details. Readers are welcome to contact the editorial team for any clarification.