South Korea Embassy retracts Bali travel advisory, apologises over mishap

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia has issued an apology after briefly publishing a travel advisory warning its citizens about safety risks in Bali, in a move that quickly drew attention across social media and raised concerns over the island’s global tourism image.

The advisory, which was published on the embassy’s official website on 1 April 2026, urged South Korean nationals to exercise caution when travelling to Bali, citing a rise in crimes targeting foreigners, including murder, sexual assault, and harassment. The post was subsequently taken down shortly after publication.

According to Indonesia’s ministry of tourism, the advisory stemmed from an internal error rather than a deliberate attempt to undermine Bali’s reputation.

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“The Embassy of the Republic of Korea conveyed its apology and explained that the earlier travel advisory was issued due to an oversight by the Consul General of the Republic of Korea when responding to enquiries from its citizens regarding several criminal cases in Bali,” said the ministry on Tuesday.

The apology followed coordination and a meeting between Indonesia’s ministry of tourism, ministry of foreign affairs, and the South Korean embassy. Officials emphasised that the initial advisory was intended as a precautionary measure for travellers, not as a statement on Bali’s overall safety or tourism appeal.

In response, the embassy has since revised its advisory language, removing references to specific cases involving foreign nationals and adopting a more general tone. It also committed to closer coordination with the Indonesian government when communicating sensitive information, as well as providing clearer context to media in South Korea regarding Bali’s tourism conditions.

Tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stressed that the government is taking active steps to reinforce traveller confidence and maintain Bali’s standing as a world-class destination.

Measures include periodic risk assessments across hotels, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions, aligned with national security management standards. The ministry is also encouraging industry players to strengthen guest verification systems and ensure proper reporting of foreign visitors.

On the ground, authorities have increased the presence of integrated security posts and monitoring points in high-traffic tourist areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu to enable faster response to potential incidents.

Law enforcement efforts are also being stepped up, including stricter regulation of traffic violations and vehicle rentals involving foreign nationals without proper licences. Routine inspections will be conducted to monitor and act against misuse of residence permits, supporting both public safety and the sustainability of the local tourism economy.

“Indonesia will continue to welcome tourists from around the world, including those from the Republic of Korea, to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of its tourism,” said the minister.

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