Indonesia’s Sanur Special Economic Zone: A New Dawn for Health and Wellness Tourism

Published on July 1, 2025

Indonesia’s healthcare sector continues to grow with the recent development of the Sanur Special Economic Zone (SEZ), also known as Health SEZ. Launched in line with a comprehensive national vision of enhancing healthcare and boosting wellness tourism, the SEZ can position Indonesia as a significant global destination for healthcare tourism. Combining high-level healthcare technology with holistic wellness-oriented techniques, it’s an important development in Indonesia’s healthcare and tourism industries.

A Strategic Move to Elevate Healthcare Standards

The inauguration of the Sanur SEZ is a step forward in Indonesia’s vision to elevate its healthcare standards and attract international visitors seeking high-quality medical and wellness services. President Prabowo, in his inaugural speech, emphasized the importance of this project as part of Indonesia’s drive to become a top destination for health tourism. He highlighted the SEZ as the first of its kind in Indonesia, expressing optimism about the potential it holds for the country’s medical tourism sector.

The Health SEZ integrates state-of-the-art medical facilities, cutting-edge technology, and wellness-driven healthcare approaches, making it a significant player in the global health tourism industry. The zone’s strategic location in Bali, an island already famous for its natural beauty and cultural richness, further enhances its appeal to tourists seeking health treatments in a tranquil environment.

Government and Industry Leaders Endorse the SEZ

Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing its alignment with the country’s health tourism development scheme. According to Minister Wardhana, the Sanur SEZ will play a pivotal role in boosting health tourism by offering accredited healthcare services that meet international standards.

She further elaborated that the SEZ, alongside the Bali International Hospital located in Sanur, would contribute to building a comprehensive health tourism ecosystem. This ecosystem will guide patients through the entire healthcare process, from initial treatment to post-recovery care, ensuring a seamless experience. This initiative, supported by accreditation from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, promises to set new benchmarks for healthcare services in the region.

A Comprehensive Health and Wellness Tourism Model

The Sanur SEZ is designed with both medical and wellness tourism in mind, offering a full spectrum of services that range from advanced medical treatments to relaxation and rejuvenation experiences. Bali International Hospital, the zone’s flagship medical facility, boasts impressive infrastructure, covering a vast area of 67,465 m². The hospital is equipped with 255 beds, eight state-of-the-art operating rooms, and four catheterization labs, ensuring the highest standards of medical care.

In addition to the hospital, the SEZ features world-class accommodations, including The Meru Sanur, a luxury hotel with 184 rooms, and the Bali Beach Hotel, which offers 273 rooms. These hotels are designed to cater to health tourists seeking comfort and convenience during their treatment or recovery period. The Bali Beach Convention Center, spanning 3,750 m², offers an ideal venue for health tourism conferences and events, further strengthening the area’s position as a hub for global health tourism.

Integrating Nature and Wellness

The Sanur SEZ’s commitment to wellness is not limited to medical services but also extends to a holistic approach to health. A 49-hectare ethnobotanical garden, partially opened to the public, serves as the zone’s “green lung.” The garden’s natural beauty and medicinal plant collection provide visitors with an immersive experience in nature, promoting mental and physical well-being. Visitors can explore the garden while enjoying therapeutic activities designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Furthermore, the SEZ has recently expanded its spa facilities, offering health tourists additional opportunities for relaxation and recovery. These spa services are integrated into the hotel facilities, providing a seamless wellness experience for guests seeking treatments such as massages, detox therapies, and other holistic healing practices.

Future Developments: Expanding Indonesia’s Health Tourism Potential

The Sanur SEZ is not only a groundbreaking project in its current form but also a dynamic development that will evolve with time. Plans are already in place for the construction of a health research center, which will further enhance the SEZ’s reputation as a hub for medical innovation and wellness tourism. The research center will focus on advancing knowledge in the fields of health, wellness, and alternative medicine, contributing to the ongoing development of the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

By integrating research, innovation, and wellness into its design, the Sanur SEZ is set to become a model for other regions in Indonesia and beyond, demonstrating the potential of health tourism to drive economic growth while improving healthcare standards.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Health Tourism in Indonesia

The Sanur Special Economic Zone comes in as a significant step in Indonesian plans for worldwide leadership in wellness and health tourism. With high-tech healthcare with luxury touches and a focus on holistic wellness, international health tourists will be attracted to the SEZ. With time, it will be among the pillars of Indonesia’s tourism industry, stimulating development for the economy while bringing improved healthcare provision.

References: Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia