DURING his tenure as Chairman of the Bali Hotel Association (BHA) from 2016 to 2021, Ricky Putra left a lasting mark of strong, visionary leadership amid the rapidly evolving landscape of Bali’s tourism industry. Under his guidance, BHA grew beyond its role as a communication forum among hoteliers — emerging as a unifying force that bridged collaboration between hotels, government, and local communities.
Ricky has long been recognized for his philosophy of “local soul with global standard” — a commitment to developing Bali’s tourism with world-class excellence while preserving the island’s cultural roots and local wisdom. He championed a number of collaborative initiatives, from strengthening human resources in hospitality and implementing sustainable practices, to enhancing Bali’s image as a safe and environmentally responsible destination.
The true test of his leadership came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Bali’s tourism industry faced its toughest crisis in history. Ricky became one of the key figures in maintaining solidarity among hotels and industry associations, ensuring effective communication with the government, and shaping strategies for Bali’s tourism recovery. In those challenging times, he emphasized the importance of resilience and unity — two values that would later define BHA’s strength in the post-pandemic era.
Through his inclusive and empathetic leadership style, Ricky successfully built bridges between large and small industry players, expanding BHA’s role from a star-rated hotel association into an active partner in Bali’s sustainable development.
Today, even after his tenure has ended, Ricky’s leadership legacy continues to resonate. The Bali Hotel Association stands as a professional, collaborative, and culturally grounded organization, reflecting the harmony and spirit that Ricky instilled throughout his years of service.
Ricky Putra remains admired as a leader who inspires with humility, empathy, and purpose — a true embodiment of Bali’s hospitality spirit in its purest form. **
Writer: Karolina | Editor: Igo Kleden
