BADUNG, BALINEWS.ID – The partnership between Kazakhstan and Indonesia, particularly Bali, continues to deepen with a growing focus on enhancing cooperation in tourism and economic sectors. One of the key initiatives currently being pursued is the establishment of a direct flight from Kazakhstan to Bali, a move expected to boost tourist arrivals and unlock broader investment opportunities on the Island of the Gods.

This commitment was highlighted during the Table Round Business Meeting Kazakhstan – Bali: Exploring Business, Investment, and Tourism Opportunity, held at Fairfield by Marriott Hotel, Badung, on Wednesday (Dec 10). The event gathered business and tourism leaders from both countries, including representatives from the Bali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) Bali, Bali Tourism Board, and the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali.

Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Bali, I Putu Winastra, expressed optimism about the growing collaboration, noting that interest from Kazakhstani tourists visiting Bali has been steadily increasing in recent years.

“As the Honorary Consul in Bali, we invited leaders from several key associations today to explore various business opportunities available in Kazakhstan that could be beneficial for Bali’s business community. The goal is not only to strengthen ties in tourism but also in trade, economy, and wellness industries,” Winastra said.

He added that both countries are currently exploring a strategic partnership to make direct flights to Bali a reality. The plan was inspired by the success of other countries like Thailand and Vietnam, which have already established similar routes with Kazakhstan and experienced a significant rise in tourist arrivals.

“Kazakhstani tourists have strong spending power, and their length of stay in Bali can reach up to 10 days. This certainly brings major benefits to local industries from hotels and restaurants to transportation services,” said Winastra, who also serves as Chairman of ASITA Bali.

In addition to pursuing direct flights, Winastra revealed that efforts are underway to secure visa-free access for Kazakhstani travelers visiting Bali. Currently, Indonesian citizens enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry to Kazakhstan for tourism, business, or short visits, while Kazakhstani citizens entering Indonesia are still subject to Visa on Arrival (VoA) requirements.

“We’re pushing for a reciprocal free visa policy. Indonesia and Kazakhstan already have a bilateral agreement that supports this, so we’re hoping to see it implemented soon,” he emphasized.

During the meeting, Winastra and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Serzhan Abdykarimov, also discussed broader collaboration areas, including student exchange programs, investment partnerships, import-export facilitation, and joint ventures in hospitality and creative industries.

“Kazakhstan is currently simplifying more than 50 trade regulations under its Eurasian partnership agreement, making it easier for international entrepreneurs to import goods. This is a promising opportunity for Indonesian exporters, especially those based in Bali,” Winastra explained.

Ambassador Serzhan Abdykarimov reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to deepening cooperation with Indonesia, emphasizing that establishing a direct flight between Kazakhstan and Bali would be a key strategic step.

“There are several priorities I’d like to pursue together. First,  launching a direct flight from Kazakhstan to Bali, In Jakarta, our embassy continues to work on this along with embassy of Indonesia in Kazakhstan. It’s our one of primary task. Second introducing a up to 30-day visa-free regime for Kazakhstani visitors,” Serzhan said.

“Third, conducting joint training programs in hospitality and creative industries, and organizing business missions and tourism roadshows in both countries,” he added.

He underscored that these initiatives would require mutual commitment to ensure all parties benefit. “The implementation of these agreements will demand dedication from both sides to make sure the outcomes are truly impactful for both countries,” he added.

The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening the bridge between Indonesia and Kazakhstan, not only diplomatically, but also through tangible economic cooperation. If realized, the direct flight and visa-free initiatives could position Bali as a major gateway for Central Asian travelers, opening a new chapter in cross-continental business and tourism relations. (*)