JAKARTA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Bali has closed foreign investors' access to the country's online licensing system for 18 business categories to protect micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), Bali Governor Wayan Koster said Thursday.
"Access to the online licensing system has been closed across Bali since the third week of May 2026," Koster said, adding that the policy was introduced after the government evaluated permits issued in low-risk and low-to-medium-risk business sectors.
The evaluation found indications that some foreign investors had misused the risk-based licensing scheme to enter sectors closely linked to MSMEs through simpler licensing requirements.
The restrictions cover business categories including accommodation, retail, rental services, consulting, and other sectors related to MSMEs, preventing foreign investors from submitting new license applications in those categories.
The Bali provincial government said that it remains open to high-quality and responsible foreign investment as long as it supports the local economy and strengthens MSMEs. ■
