BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has expressed support for the central government’s plan to establish an International Financial Center (IFC), which is widely expected to be developed within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Serangan. However, he emphasized that the project must deliver tangible benefits to both the region and the Balinese people.

Koster made the remarks after attending the inauguration of the Lawyerindo law office at Jimbaran Hub in South Kuta, Badung, on Tuesday (July 1).

According to Koster, Bali possesses a well-established ecosystem capable of supporting an international financial hub due to its status as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Nevertheless, he said the provincial government is still awaiting the central government’s official policy regarding the project.

“Of course, we fully support this initiative because Bali, as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, has an ecosystem that is well prepared. What needs to be ensured is that the International Financial Center will bring real benefits to the region and the people of Bali,” Koster said.

Addressing concerns over fraudulent investments involving foreign nationals and the widespread use of nominee arrangements, Koster also voiced support for stricter regulations. He agreed that foreign investors should be required to meet the mandatory Rp10 billion capital injection as part of the requirements for establishing a Foreign Investment Company (PMA) in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Lawyerindo Principal Tony Budidjaja said Indonesia is entering a new phase of investment development through the establishment of the International Financial Center. He noted that the government and the House of Representatives are currently discussing a dedicated legal framework to govern the project.

Tony explained that under Law No. 4 of 2026, which amends the Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Law (P2SK), the government is mandated to formulate IFC regulations within three months after the law’s enactment.

“A dedicated IFC law is essential to build global investor confidence. Legal certainty is the foundation that will enable Indonesia to be trusted as a regional investment and business hub,” Tony said.

He explained that the future regulation is expected to govern key aspects of the financial center, including its location, governance structure, taxation, foreign exchange regime, dispute resolution mechanisms, and coordination with institutions such as Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and relevant ministries.

According to Tony, the concept under discussion involves creating a financial-sector special economic zone equipped with various incentives to enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness in attracting foreign investment.

Although the government has yet to determine the final location, Tony said Bali—particularly the Kura Kura Bali SEZ in Serangan—has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the development of the International Financial Center.

“The area is being designed as a modern business district integrated with education, technology, and the creative industry to become a new engine of economic growth,” he said.

Tony added that the opening of Lawyerindo’s office in Jimbaran reflects the firm’s commitment to supporting Bali’s investment climate by providing legal services to investors, businesses, government institutions, and the wider community.

The firm also introduced Legal Box, a discussion platform that brings together government officials, regulators, investors, academics, and legal professionals to address strategic issues related to investment and regulatory reform in Bali.

“Kepastian hukum merupakan modal dasar bagi investor. Pertanyaan pertama setiap investor adalah apakah ada kepastian hukum di wilayah tersebut. Kami ingin menghadirkan rasa aman dan meningkatkan kepercayaan investor melalui pendampingan hukum yang profesional,” Tony said, emphasizing that legal certainty remains the primary consideration for investors before committing capital.

Tony also highlighted Lawyerindo’s digital transformation, which began in 2012, allowing the firm to improve efficiency, transparency, and service certainty through technology. He said the initiative was a response to changing client expectations following the 2008 global financial crisis, when businesses increasingly demanded faster and more cost-effective legal services.

Despite ongoing global economic challenges, Tony believes Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain resilient. However, he stressed that sustainable economic growth depends on a strong legal framework.

“We believe a strong economy must stand on a strong legal foundation. Legal certainty, good governance, and effective dispute resolution are the key pillars of a healthy, secure, and sustainable investment climate,” he concluded.