WHEN it comes to Bali’s tourism, who doesn’t know I Ketut Ardana? His name is inseparable from the long journey of Bali’s tourism industry. Widely recognized as a highly dedicated and hardworking figure, Ardana has consistently fought for the advancement of Bali’s tourism—locally, nationally, and internationally.
Born to humble parents, the late I Nengah Kerti and Ni Nengah Kawan, Ardana once lived a modest life and tried his hand at various kinds of work. Yet, with strong determination and perseverance, he has reaped the rewards of his relentless effort over the years.
Today, I Ketut Ardana has become an inspiring figure—not only within his family but also among Bali’s tourism community, admired for his unwavering dedication to the island’s development. During his tenure as Chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter, he introduced numerous visionary ideas that have contributed significantly to Bali’s tourism growth.
One of his most notable contributions is as a co-founder and key initiator of the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF)—a tourism marketplace event now well-known among industry players. Despite the many challenges and obstacles faced during its early years, Ardana, affectionately known as Pak Tut, and his colleagues successfully steered the event into what it has become today.
His inspiring life story and professional journey were even chronicled in a book published in 2024, titled “Reaching The Stars.” The following is a glimpse into the journey of I Ketut Ardana, as shared with the Eksekutif Magazine editorial team. **
Writer: Karolina | Editor: Igo Kleden
