BNEWS.ID - Bali Governor Wayan Koster has firmly denied claims circulating on social media suggesting that Bali is experiencing a decline in tourist arrivals, stressing that official data shows a steady and significant increase in visitor numbers toward the end of 2025.
Based on official data released by PT Angkasa Pura, the operator of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and Statistics Indonesia (BPS) on Wednesday (December 24, 2025), Bali recorded 6.8 million international tourist arrivalsas of December 22, 2025. During the same period, domestic tourist visits reached 9.1 million, bringing the total number of visitors to 15.9 million ahead of the year-end holiday season.
The figures mark a clear increase compared to 2024, when international tourist arrivals stood at 6.3 million. This means Bali has welcomed around 500,000 more foreign tourists by December 22, 2025.
Addressing the issue, Governor Koster emphasized that claims of declining tourism are misleading and not supported by facts.
“Regarding social media claims about a decrease in tourist arrivals to Bali, we would like to clarify that this information is completely false and not based on official data,” Koster said.
Koster added that tourist arrivals traditionally surge during the final week before the New Year. Based on current projections, international tourist visits are expected to reach approximately 7 million by December 31, 2025.
“Tourist arrivals will continue to increase through the end of the year. This confirms that Bali remains a top destination and continues to attract visitors,” he added.
The Bali Provincial Government has urged the public to rely on verified data from official institutions and not be misled by unsubstantiated information, while encouraging all stakeholders to help maintain Bali’s positive tourism image at both national and international levels. (*)