Indonesia Launches Health Tourism Zone in Bali
Sanur SEZ Aims to Transform Healthcare, Boost Economy
Indonesia is making a bold move to revamp its healthcare sector and promote tourism with the inauguration of the Sanur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bali. This pioneering health-focused zone integrates world-class medical services with wellness tourism, signaling a strategic shift toward economic growth and national resilience.
President Inaugurates Sanur SEZ
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto officially opened the Sanur SEZ in Bali. This marked an important step for the nation’s healthcare system. The Bali International Hospital is at the heart of the zone, complemented by premium accommodations like The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel. The objective is to meld advanced medical technologies with recovery rooted in Balinese culture.
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“President Prabowo always reminds us that we are a great nation − one that must stand on its own feet. But the reality is that around 2 million Indonesians seek medical treatment abroad every year, draining nearly Rp150 trillion (US$9.7 billion) in foreign exchange. This is a major challenge that we must address systemically, and Sanur SEZ is part of that answer,”
—Erick Thohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
The SEZ’s development reflects the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises’ move to become a mission-driven regulator. The World Bank indicates that health tourism can significantly boost economic growth, with countries like Thailand earning billions annually from medical travelers (World Bank 2024).
Collaboration and Future Goals
Erick Thohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), highlighted the zone’s potential as a driver for economic growth. The project involved inter-ministerial coordination. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister, accelerated licensing, while Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Health Minister, facilitated medical accreditation. Also, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Tourism Minister, bolstered the health tourism component.
Rosan Roeslani, CEO, and Dony Oskaria, COO, lead the state-owned entity Danantara, which manages zone operations. The wellness-focused environment provided by The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel enhances the patient experience. The project’s success is anticipated to bolster Indonesia’s healthcare system, potentially positioning the nation as a key player in the global healthcare service industry.
