DENPASAR — Amid the rapid growth of the global wellness industry, the first day of the Bali Wellness and Beauty Expo (BWB Expo) 2026 highlighted the importance of strategic efforts to develop a strong, integrated, and globally competitive wellness economy in Indonesia.
The main agenda of the opening day, Thursday (June 4, 2026), featured a plenary session titled “Building Indonesia’s Wellness Economy: Towards a Globally Competitive and Sustainable Ecosystem,” bringing together key stakeholders from government, finance, industry, and professional sectors to discuss the future direction of Indonesia’s wellness economy.
The session featured prominent speakers, including Dida Gardera, S.T., M.Sc., Acting Deputy for Industrial, Employment, and Tourism Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs; Metty Kusmayantie, Assistant Deputy for Partnerships and Supply Chains for Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of MSMEs; and Hanifah, Assistant Deputy for Business Development and Access to Capital at the Ministry of Tourism.
The discussion was further enriched by perspectives from the business and industry sectors through the participation of Doddy Akhmadsyah Matondang, CEO of SMESCO Indonesia; Hery Noercahya, Regional CEO of BRI Bali-Nusra; and dr. Gede Wiryana Patra Jaya, M.Kes., Chairman of the Bali Medical Tourism Association.
Moderated by Prof. I Nyoman Darma Putra, M.Litt., Ph.D., Professor at Udayana University, the panelists agreed that wellness should no longer be viewed merely as a lifestyle trend. Instead, it has evolved into a strategic sector with significant potential to contribute to economic growth, job creation, MSME empowerment, and the overall improvement of public well-being.
In her remarks, Dr. Diah Permana, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Bali Wellness and Beauty Expo, emphasized that Indonesia possesses all the essential elements needed to become one of the world’s leading wellness destinations.
“Indonesia is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, centuries-old health and wellness traditions, and millions of creative and innovative MSMEs. With the right policies, sustainable investment, and cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia has a tremendous opportunity to build a wellness economy that is not only globally competitive but also capable of improving community welfare in a sustainable manner,” she said.
According to Dr. Diah, this year’s plenary session theme reflects the growing need for stronger synergy among government institutions, industry players, financial institutions, academia, and communities in building an integrated national wellness ecosystem.
“Indonesia should not merely be a market for the global wellness industry. It is time for the country to take on a larger role as a producer of innovation, a center for wellness development, and a destination capable of inspiring the world through its natural wealth, cultural heritage, and local wisdom,” she added.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of strengthening regulations, increasing investment, developing human resources, fostering service innovation, and supporting MSMEs as key foundations for building an inclusive and sustainable wellness industry.
Beyond the plenary session, the first day of BWB Expo 2026 featured a variety of programs that reflected a holistic approach to wellness. Activities began with “Harmony of Tradition: Ancient Balinese Yoga,” showcasing Bali’s local wisdom as part of a wellness practice that has been passed down through generations.
Participants also enjoyed a range of interactive sessions, including laughter yoga, discussions on digestive health and nutrition, as well as conversations on mental health and mindfulness in modern life. The younger generation was represented through the session “Wellness Among Gen-Z: Redefining Balance, Identity, and Wellbeing in the Digital Era,” which explored the challenges and opportunities of well-being in today’s digital landscape.
Industry players introduced their latest innovations and services through business presentations and networking sessions, further strengthened by the forum “Quantum Networking: New Codes of Building Meaningful Collaborations,” designed to foster partnerships and create new business opportunities.
The first day concluded with The Art of Balinese Fashion Show, featuring works by local designers who combined cultural heritage, creativity, and modern lifestyle elements, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Through the organization of BWB Expo 2026, stakeholders hope this momentum will serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration in developing an inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive wellness economy in Indonesia.
As a platform that brings together government agencies, industry leaders, investors, academics, and communities, Bali Wellness and Beauty Expo 2026 is expected to contribute significantly to accelerating Indonesia’s transformation into one of the world’s leading centers for wellness and beauty. ** igo kleden
