Is Bali safe for tourists amid massive protests across Indonesia?

Southeast Asia's biggest economy was rocked by protests in major cities over the weekend in after footage spread of a motorcycle taxi driver being run over by a police tactical vehicle in earlier rallies against low wages and financial perks for lawmakers.

Several foreign embassies have issued fresh travel warnings as protests turned violent, resulting in at least eight fatalities, Jakarta Globe reported.

The Australian Embassy on Saturday warned of large-scale demonstrations across major cities, including Bali's capital, Denpasar, urging that unrest could escalate into violence and property damage.

Australians were advised to avoid protest areas, monitor local media, and expect traffic disruptions.

Australians consistently represent the largest group of foreign visitors to Bali, making up 23% of foreign tourists in May, according to the latest data from the Bali Central Bureau of Statistics.

"A travel warning is a normal procedure, a notification of the current situation," said Putu Winastra, chairman of the Indonesian Travel Agencies Association, in an interview with local news outlet Bali Post.

"It's just a reminder and an appeal for caution. It's not a prohibition."

"I told an agent in Spain that Bali is safe," he added, noting that there had been no surge in booking cancellations or a decrease in tourist arrivals.

Balinese Governor Wayan Koster led thousands of security guards in a mass gathering on Monday at Niti Mandala Renon Field in Denpasar, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the island safe, the South China Morning Post reported.

Tourism accounts for over 50% of Bali's economy, according to The Jakarta Post.

Last year, official figures recorded 6.3 million foreign tourists visiting the island.