BALI – Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, emphasized that Bali plays a strategic role not only as the country’s leading tourism destination, but also as a living laboratory for driving a more high-quality, sustainable, and responsible tourism transformation, particularly in the management of marine resources.
The statement was delivered during the opening of the Bali Ocean Days 2026 Conference & Showcase in Jimbaran, Bali, on Friday (January 30, 2026), attended by cross-sector stakeholders.
Now in its third year, Bali Ocean Days 2026 carries the theme “Navigating Solutions for a Regenerative Ocean Future.” The forum brings together policymakers, practitioners, scientists, industry players, and innovators to discuss how oceans can continue to support livelihoods, tourism activities, and economic growth while prioritizing conservation for future generations.
In the context of the blue economy, Ni Luh Puspa noted that tourism is one of the key pillars supported by three main elements: healthy and resilient marine ecosystems, competitive ocean-based industries, and sustainably managed coastal areas that deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
According to her, the development of marine tourism must ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with marine conservation. Proper management not only creates jobs and strengthens local economies, but also safeguards ecosystem sustainability in the long term.
“Protecting the ocean as the foundation of sustainable tourism is a shared responsibility—led by the government, carried out across ministries, and realized through collaboration between industry and communities on the ground,” Ni Luh Puspa said.
She added that collaboration remains the cornerstone of tourism development. In strengthening marine tourism, the Ministry of Tourism works closely with related ministries and institutions, local governments, coastal communities, business actors, and other stakeholders within the tourism pentahelix.
This collaboration is aimed at integrating responsible tourism practices, marine ecosystem conservation, community empowerment, and the use of technology to strengthen the governance of underwater destinations.
“Through the Wonderful Indonesia Diving Directory, we want to ensure that Indonesia’s marine tourism grows with clear standards for safety, quality, and sustainability—so that our oceans are protected and our destinations gain greater trust from the global community,” she added.
Ni Luh Puspa also cautioned that coastal and marine tourism is one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths, yet it is also among the most vulnerable sectors if not properly managed. She stressed that future tourism challenges are no longer about pursuing visitor numbers alone, but about improving how destinations are governed.
“What we must safeguard is the long-term vitality of our destinations. That is why carrying capacity, governance, and quality must be central to how we build tourism,” she said.
In this regard, she explained that the role of the central government is not to offer instant solutions, but to establish policy frameworks, standards, and governance mechanisms to ensure tourism transformation progresses gradually and consistently. Key priorities include strengthening destination management, placing environmental carrying capacity at the core of planning, reinforcing industry responsibility, and affirming the role of local communities.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Bali Ocean Days 2026 Organizing Committee, Yoke Darmawan, underscored that expectations for future marine tourism development must be built on consistent control systems, capacity-based management, and clear distribution of responsibilities between tourism operators and local governments.
“Healthy marine tourism is tourism that is managed with limits, guided by data, and driven by shared commitment between government, industry, and communities. Without this, tourism risks undermining its own foundation,” Yoke said.
He added that the eco-showcase featured at Bali Ocean Days 2026 was curated to highlight startups and innovators delivering practical solutions—from area management and monitoring technologies to conservation-oriented business models—ensuring the forum goes beyond discourse and encourages real-world implementation.***
