TRIBUN-BALI reports that a large gathering of peaceful protesters, including students and labor union members, is intensely lobbying Bali’s Governor and his provincial administration to set a minimum monthly wage of Rp 5.2 million.
The protesters are threatening to launch additional street protests with even more participants when legislators meet again to finalize the new provincial minimum wage level.
Exel, a representative of the “Aksi Kamisan Bali Group” (Thursday Action Group), warned the government of potentially bigger demonstrations to come after a peaceful demonstration at Puputan Margarana Square in Renon, Denpasar, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Exel was adamant that the group’s demand for a wage increase is not a charity appeal, but a fight for workers’ fundamental human rights.
The protesters say they also intend to hold Bali Governor Wayan Koster to the commitments he made after initially hearing their demands.
”We are making a demand, not begging. We will ensure that Governor Koster keeps what he promised. If necessary, we will return to the Governor’s Office on the day the minimum wage is officially set—with an even larger crowd,” Exel warned.
This statement signals that the group’s demand for a higher minimum wage remains squarely on the table.
The protesters are now awaiting further developments in the deliberative process that will finally set the new minimum wage standard.
Meanwhile, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said he is reviewing various options for wage adjustments, including addressing the demands put forward by students and labor union representatives.
The Bali Provincial Government has also tasked the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Brida) with analyzing the Minimum Wage (UMP), the Regency/City Minimum Wage (UMK), and sectoral minimum wages. Koster said one benchmark currently used for calculations is Government Regulation (PP) Number 51 of 2023, which governs amendments to wage-related provisions.
Applying this formula—with an “alpha factor” set at the maximum value of 0.9—the calculation for Bali’s 2025 Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) yielded Rp 3.45 million, a 7.6 percent increase from 2024.
Governor Koster acknowledges that the current minimum wage is “still quite low” and is not sufficient to provide a decent standard of living for Balinese workers.
He noted that Government Regulation Number 51 of 2023 also allows an approach to the minimum wage based on a “Decent Standard of Living” (KHL) criteria, which will be examined further based on the findings of a study conducted by the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Brida).
Related Links
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