Koster: A Significant Boost to the People’s Economy, in Line with the Vision of Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali
DENPASAR – The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, enthusiastically and with great appreciation, officially opened the Dekranasda Bali Fashion Week (DBFW) 2025, held in conjunction with the Festival Anggrek Kem-Bali 2025 and the Balinese Culinary Bazaar, at Ksirarnawa Hall, Bali Arts Center (Taman Budaya Bali) in Denpasar on Saturday (November 1).
The event, organized by the Provincial Government of Bali, is a collaboration between the Regional National Craft Council (Dekranasda) Bali and several provincial agencies, including the Department of Industry and Trade, Department of Agriculture and Food Security, and Department of Cooperatives and SMEs. Running for seven days, from November 1 to 7, 2025, the program features three major national-scale events—DBFW 2025 Session 1, Festival Anggrek Kem-Bali 2025, and the Balinese Culinary Bazaar—all showcasing the harmony between Bali’s natural beauty, textiles, and creative cultural expressions.
Governor Koster emphasized that the implementation of DBFW 2025 delivers significant economic impact for many sectors—from garment production using local materials to the involvement of designers, artisans, and models.
“In addition to fashion shows, this event also presents an orchid exhibition and a local Balinese culinary bazaar. These three elements of local identity reflect the real implementation of the people’s economy, which aligns perfectly with the vision of Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali,” Governor Koster stated.
He further explained that showcasing the entire value chain of Bali’s local economy—from local materials and producers to Balinese consumers supported by clear regulations—will strengthen Bali’s locally made products and elevate them as sources of pride for the island, driven by the creativity of its people.
Governor Koster also underlined the importance of supporting initiatives like DBFW. He expressed hope that similar events would eventually be presented internationally, providing new experiences and exposure for Balinese designers and models while promoting local products and enhancing the region’s economic capacity.
No Need to Buy Luxury Goods from Outside Bali
Echoing the Governor’s sentiment, Putri Koster, Chairwoman of the Regional National Craft Council (Dekranasda) of Bali Province, said that Dekranasda Fashion Week 2025 is being held for the first time as a platform to support and provide opportunities for young designers to showcase their creations.
“There’s no need for Balinese people to seek luxury goods elsewhere. Here in Bali, we already have exceptional products crafted by local artisans using traditional endek and songket woven fabrics—unique creations that can even become trendsetters,” she remarked.
Putri Koster encouraged both local and national designers to continue strengthening the domestic market for clothing and fashion products.
“We must not abandon our own market. By elevating the level of our designers, we will naturally build an integrated ecosystem—from fabric and material production to fashion design, modeling, choreography, and music composition—all supporting one another,” she added.
She expressed hope that in the future, Bali will not only be known for its kecak dance but will also emerge as a global fashion center, driven by the talent and creativity of its human resources. The small and medium industries (SMEs) of Bali, she said, should serve as the benchmark of Balinese craftsmanship.
Theme: Wastra Hitakara – The Beauty of Ancestral Heritage Bringing Benefit and Prosperity
Carrying the theme “Wastra Hitakara”, which translates to the beauty of ancestral heritage that brings benefit and prosperity, this event aims to strengthen the foundation of Bali’s local fashion industry and highlight the creative potential of its designers.
Dekranasda Bali also announced the continuation of the Bali Bangkit Exhibition Program 2025–2030, which provides free exhibition spaces for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking guidance to improve their product quality and creativity.
The event, rich in Balinese cultural nuances, features 36 orchid booths (19 from Bali and 17 from other provinces) and 15 culinary booths offering authentic Balinese dishes such as jaje laklak, tuak, kakul, ayam betutu, and specialties from each regency across Bali.
The fashion week also showcases 44 professional models from four leading agencies—YMM, Point, I AM, and LVC&C—along with dozens of other creative talents. Additionally, the DBFW 2025 Fashion Photography Competition takes place from November 1–5, 2025, at Ksirarnawa Hall, Bali Arts Center.
Together, the Festival Anggrek Kem-Bali 2025 and DBFW 2025 embody cross-sector collaboration aimed at reinforcing Bali’s image as a global center of culture, creativity, and sustainability. The event also serves as a meaningful momentum in reviving Bali’s economy and tourism in the post-pandemic era—uniting the beauty of flora, textiles, and performing arts in perfect harmony.
The opening ceremony of Dekranasda Bali Fashion Week 2025 was officiated by Governor Wayan Koster, accompanied by Dekranasda Chairwoman Putri Koster and heads of related government departments. The event began with the Rupali Dance and a Nyuwun Keben ceremonial procession, symbolizing gratitude and respect for nature and Balinese cultural heritage.***
