Indonesia Launches First Health-Focused Economic Zone in Bali
Bali, Thursday, 26 June 2025.
President Prabowo inaugurated Sanur SEZ in Bali, aiming to revolutionize Indonesia’s healthcare landscape by boosting medical tourism and cutting Rp150 trillion in annual outbound healthcare spending.
Overview of Sanur SEZ
The inauguration of the Sanur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bali by President Prabowo Subianto marks a historic venture into health-focused economic development in Indonesia. In realizing the vision of turning Bali into a medical tourism hub, the Sanur SEZ integrates world-class medical services with wellness tourism. This initiative is particularly significant given Indonesia’s annual loss of nearly Rp150 trillion due to citizens seeking medical treatment abroad [1][7].
Government’s Strategic Vision
The Sanur SEZ reflects the Government of Indonesia’s strategic pivot towards innovation and international competitiveness in the healthcare sector. Alongside President Prabowo, key figures such as the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir have championed this zone as a symbol of systemic healthcare transformation, aligning with Law No. 1/2025 on SOEs which emphasizes a mission-driven regulatory approach [1][2]. This move is expected to invigorate economic growth and reinforce national resilience by creating jobs and generating substantial public value [5][9].
Infrastructure and Collaboration
The development of the Sanur SEZ has been characterized by meticulous inter-ministerial collaboration to expedite processes such as licensure and medical accreditation. The zone houses the Bali International Hospital (BIH), which sits over a 67,465 square meter area and is equipped with 255 beds [1][9]. The seamless integration of healthcare facilities with high-end accommodations like The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel exemplifies a unique blend of cutting-edge medical technology and traditional Balinese cultural wellness, enhancing the tourism appeal [1][7].
Long-Term Implications
Projecting a forward-looking trajectory, the Sanur SEZ is scheduled to operate sustainably under the management of Danantara, a strategic state entity. The economic zone is expected to draw up to 240,000 patients annually by 2030, indicating a major shift in Indonesia’s position within the global healthcare market. Such developments are poised not only to reduce foreign exchange leakage but also to establish Indonesia as a pivotal player in international medical tourism, potentially saving up to IDR 86 trillion in the long term [7][8].