Ardana with Minister of Tourism Arif Yahya at the Opening of BBTF 2016.
THE year 1977 marked the beginning of I Ketut Ardana’s long journey in Bali’s tourism industry. With the help of his uncle, he secured a job at Jan’s Tours, a well-known travel agency founded by Mrs. Janice Mantjika in the late 1960s. At that time, Jan’s Tours was one of the pioneers of Bali’s travel industry—a place where many tourism professionals gained their first lessons and experience.
However, Ardana’s first position was far from glamorous. With only a junior high school education, he started out as an office boy. His duties were simple—cleaning the office, preparing drinks, and assisting the staff with daily needs. Yet for young Ardana, the job was more than a routine; it was a gateway to a new world that would one day transform his life.
Every day, he carefully observed how the staff prepared quotations—price offers for travel packages—and designed itineraries for international tourists. Between his chores, Ardana was never shy to ask questions, learn, and take notes on everything he saw. Slowly but surely, he began to understand the art of designing an appealing and professional travel program.
His perseverance soon paid off. Not only did he master the preparation of quotations, but he also became skilled in making hotel and transport reservations, coordinating tour guides, and arranging restaurant bookings. Ardana learned nearly every aspect of the travel business—from the ground up, driven by curiosity and an eagerness to grow.
Five years later, his dedication could no longer go unnoticed. In 1983, Ardana was promoted to Operations Manager at Jan’s Tours—a prestigious position rarely entrusted to someone with such a humble educational background.
For Ardana, that trust was not just a reward for hard work—it was proof that determination and perseverance can overcome any academic limitation. He learned that in the professional world, especially in the fast-paced tourism industry, the ability to learn, discipline, and serve with sincerity are far more valuable than titles or degrees.
From a simple office boy, Ardana climbed the ladder to become one of the key figures in Bali’s tourism development. His time at Jan’s Tours became the solid foundation for the success that followed—shaping him into a driving force, leader, and inspiration for the younger generation in Bali’s ever-evolving tourism industry. **
Writer: Karolina | Editor: Igo Kleden
