Did you know that Indonesia now has its very first world-class health tourism destination? Called "The Sanur", it is the country's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for health and was officially inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday, 25 June 2024.
Located in Bali, this development is far more than just another infrastructure project—it represents a milestone in Indonesia’s journey to becoming a leading health tourism hub in Southeast Asia.
The launch of The Sanur marks the beginning of a new era, where Indonesia's health and tourism sectors are seamlessly integrated into a single, unified ecosystem. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Bali Beach Convention Center and was celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring 400 children in traditional Balinese attire, lined up in formation and waving the Indonesian red-and-white flag.
President Prabowo expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the development of this landmark project. In his speech, he called The Sanur a “historic breakthrough” in the advancement of national healthcare services.
Why is “The Sanur” Important?
Put simply, The Sanur is not just another tourist destination. It is Indonesia’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated to health services, envisioned as a solution for the more than two million Indonesians who travel abroad each year in search of medical treatment.
According to State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, outbound medical spending has reached up to Rp 150 trillion (approx. US$9,25 million) annually—a staggering amount that The Sanur aims to help reduce.
The area is designed to become an international-standard healthcare center, a wellness destination, and a holistic healing hub that highlights Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources. By 2030, it is targeted that 4 to 8 percent of Indonesians who would typically seek treatment overseas will choose The Sanur instead.
This shift is projected to reduce foreign exchange outflows by up to Rp 86 trillion (approx. US$5,3 million) and contribute Rp 19 trillion (approx. US$1.17 million) to the national economy. Moreover, the development is expected to generate over 18,000 new jobs, offering significant employment opportunities.
What Does “The Sanur” Offer?
The Sanur spans 41.26 hectares and is equipped with various world-class facilities, including the Bali International Hospital, which has the capacity to serve up to 240,000 patients per year.
The area also features an international clinic with multiple Centers of Excellence in fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, stem cell therapy, aesthetics, fertility, ophthalmology, and geriatrics.
One of the highlights is the presence of the Alster Lake Clinic from Germany, renowned for its cell therapy treatments for healthy aging and bodily regeneration.
To ensure a comfortable experience for patients and visitors, The Sanur includes five-star accommodations such as The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, complete with an international-standard convention center that can accommodate up to 5,000 people.
The complex is also home to a 4-hectare ethnobotanical garden serving as a green lung of the area, along with modern infrastructure such as a waste treatment plant, waste collection station, Power House, Command Center, commercial zone, and the Sanur MSME Center, which supports local small businesses.
Bali Beach Hotel: The Legendary and Tallest Hotel
Any discussion of The Sanur wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the iconic Bali Beach Hotel. More than just a five-star hotel, this landmark is steeped in history.
Standing proudly on the shores of Sanur Beach, it is the only hotel in Bali with ten floors. Why? Because it was built before Bali’s building height regulation was enforced—this rule limits buildings to no taller than a coconut tree (around 15 meters).
The hotel’s construction was initiated by President Soekarno at a time when Sanur Beach was not yet known as a tourist destination. Funded through Japanese war reparations, the Bali Beach Hotel was one of five national hotels commissioned under the vision of Indonesia’s first president.
Construction began in 1963 and was completed three years later. The inauguration was held on November 1, 1966 and was officiated by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, who was the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance, and Industry at the time.
The hotel later became a symbol of Bali’s tourism renaissance and underwent a major renovation in 1993. Today, it continues to serve as a key accommodation within The Sanur, preserving its grandeur and historical significance.
A Future-Focused Investment
The Sanur SEZ is managed by InJourney, through its subsidiary InJourney Hospitality. InJourney is a state-owned holding company overseeing Indonesia’s aviation and tourism sectors.
According to InJourney CEO Maya Watono, tourism is a backbone of the Indonesian economy and one of the country’s major sources of foreign exchange. Through the Sanur SEZ, the goal is to attract travelers who seek not only leisure but also wellness and medical recovery within Indonesia.
“We project that the Sanur SEZ will create thousands of new job opportunities and significantly increase the number of international visitors coming to Indonesia for both tourism and healthcare,” Maya concluded.
