Indonesia is making significant strides to address the growing demand for high-quality healthcare services. A key initiative is the introduction of medical tourism, a concept that is already being implemented in Bali. The recently inaugurated Ngoerah Sun Wellness and Aesthetic Center (NSWAC), an international-standard facility, is set to provide top-tier beauty and healthcare services for both locals and international visitors.
The urgency for better healthcare in Indonesia is evident. In 2021 alone, Indonesians spent a staggering IDR 161 trillion on medical treatments abroad, primarily in Malaysia and Singapore. This reliance on overseas healthcare underscores the need for domestic improvements.
In response, the Indonesian government is working to improve healthcare quality at home and foster innovations that could establish Indonesia as a competitive player in the global medical tourism market.
Recognizing this potential, Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar has partnered with South Korea’s Sun Healthcare International to establish the Ngoerah Sun Wellness and Aesthetic Center (NSWAC). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the country’s medical tourism efforts. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin officially inaugurated the facility at the Prof Ngoerah Central General Hospital (RSUP) in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Adjib Al Hakim, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary at Hutama Karya, emphasized that NSWAC is designed to meet the beauty and healthcare needs of both local and international communities.
“This facility is part of the Ministry of Health’s effort to position Bali as a premier medical tourism destination. We aim to compete on the global stage and attract tourists who seek beauty treatments while vacationing,” he explained in a press release, as quoted by Kompas on October 3, 2024.
NSWAC spans a 5,000-square-meter plot with a total building size of 12,637 square meters. It offers a range of integrated services, including anti-aging treatments, aesthetic medicine, and wellness management, all supported by cutting-edge technology.
The project, valued at IDR 190 billion, completed its construction in March 2023, with layout adjustments finalized in September 2024.
Read also: Global Geopolitical Issues Could Disrupt Indonesia’s Tourism Targets
Located strategically in the heart of Denpasar, NSWAC provides easy access for those in need of comprehensive healthcare services. Its high-tech facilities and strategic location make it a cornerstone of the government’s vision to establish Bali as a medical tourism hub, appealing to both domestic and international visitors.
NSWAC introduces the “Medi-Tel” concept, combining the luxury and comfort of a high-end hotel with state-of-the-art medical technology. With a highly skilled team of medical and non-medical professionals, NSWAC is set to become a leading wellness and aesthetic center in Indonesia.
The development of medical tourism aligns with directives from President Joko Widodo, who emphasized the importance of diversifying Bali’s economy. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that the new focus on wellness and beauty is aimed at revitalizing Bali’s economy, which was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The health industry, particularly in beauty and wellness, is a new economic sector that could make Bali’s economy more resilient. This initiative is designed to transform the island’s economy and lessen its reliance on traditional tourism,” the minister added. The NSWAC project thus marks a new chapter in Bali’s recovery, blending its cultural appeal with modern medical services to attract a diverse range of visitors.