Indonesia and China have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding for developing the tourism sector across the two countries.
The new mandate is a sign that Indonesia is broadening its horizons and actively seeking to attract a more diverse demographic of tourists to iconic destinations like Bali and emerging travel hotspots around the country.
At present, Australian tourists are the most frequent international arrivals in Bali, followed by tourists from China and India. Indonesia is on a mission to strengthen relationships with international governments to help develop the tourism sector nationally.
With Bali positioned as Indonesia’s flagship tourism destination, much talk of tourism development is centered on Bali.
In a statement issued following the signing of the new MoU the Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana shared “We welcome this MOU, which will open up more opportunities for Indonesia to introduce its tourist destinations to the vast Chinese market, and vice versa.”
Indonesian President Parbowo and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang signed the MoU at the Merdeka Palace on Sunday, May 25th. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is visiting Indonesia to conduct a series of diplomatic and trade meetings.
Demand for travel to Indonesia from Chinese tourists is increasing. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia steadily increased. In total, 279,040 Chinese nationals visited Indonesia for tourism purposes until the end of April 2025.
The number of visits increased by 1.15 percent from the same period the previous year to 275,863. As the high season in Bali approaches, this figure is expected to grow further.
Minister Wardhana added, “Through this MoU, we hope to further strengthen bilateral relations and increase the contribution of the tourism sector to the economies of both countries.”
The MoU covers a range of tourism development directives, many of which will benefit all tourists in Bali, not only Chinese tourists traveling to Indonesia, and Indonesian tourists traveling to China. China will also be supporting Mandarin language training at several Tourism Polytechnics under the Ministry of Tourism in Indonesia.
Over the last year, more direct flights between China and Bali have been added to the schedule at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, including the new Guangzhou – Bali – Perth route that was launched in March 2025.
Operated by Indonesia’s TransNusa Airline, the new route is the first service to be operated between Guangzhou and Bali, and the extended service utilizes Bali as a transit point for those traveling between China and Australia.
Speaking at the launch of the flight route in March, the TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer and aviation veteran, Datuk Bernard Francis shared, “We are always looking at developing new routes to benefit our passengers.”
“While traditional routes such as Bali to Perth and Bali to Guangzhou are important, we also strive to go the extra mile to provide fast as well as seamless connectivity to our passengers.”
He added, “From April 13th to May 31st, on a weekly basis, there will be three connecting flights from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Perth International Airport, Australia, while from Perth, there will be two connecting flights weekly via Bali to Guangzhou.”
Along with travelers from over 90 nations, tourists from China are eligible for Indonesia’s eVisa on Arrival. The eVisa on Arrival and Visa on Arrival are valid for 30 days and cost IDR 500,000.
It can be extended for another 30 days, offering tourists the opportunity to stay and explore all that Indonesia has to offer for 60 days.
The visa allows tourists to engage in tourism, social activities, and a very limited range of business activities but never to engage in income-generating work.
Tourists can apply for their eVisa on Arrival prior to traveling to Indonesia by completing their application via the Official Indonesia eVisa website.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Mr Bear Snr
Friday 30th of May 2025
And as before Covid they will stay in Chinese owned Hotels, Travel on buses controlled by Chinese Companies and be taken by these buses to Chinese owned Restaurants for dining and Chinese owned Shops to buy souvenirs that are made in China. They are of no financial value to the local shops, restaurants and businesses in Bali. A Bit like the occupants of the 5 star Hotels who only leave them to catch their flight home.