“Bali Belongs to the World and Must Be Preserved Together”
DENPASAR — Bali Governor Wayan Koster emphasized that Bali Province remains Indonesia’s only truly world-class tourism destination, underscoring the importance of preserving its unique identity.
He delivered the statement during an interview with Rossiya Segodnya, represented by Asia and Pacific Correspondent Uliana Miroshkina, on Saturday evening (April 4, 2026) at Jayasabha, Denpasar, coinciding with the Balinese holy day of Saraswati.
Accompanied by Head of the Bali Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), I Wayan Wiasthana Ika Putra, and Head of Public Relations and Protocol Bureau, Ida Bagus Surja Manuaba, Governor Koster highlighted Bali’s strong reliance on tourism.
As a global destination, Bali’s tourism sector contributed 66 percent to the island’s economic growth in 2024. It also accounted for 53.6 percent of Indonesia’s total tourism foreign exchange earnings in the same year.
In terms of visitor numbers, Bali recorded 7.05 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, an increase from 6.3 million in 2024.
“Bali’s economy is truly driven by the tourism sector. That is why it must be managed through a concept of cultural-based, high-quality, and dignified tourism,” Koster said.
He explained that Bali’s tourism origins are deeply rooted in its cultural appeal, which began attracting global attention as early as 1963.
According to Koster, early international visitors were drawn to Bali’s rich cultural life, particularly in Ubud, where local communities showcased traditional dance, gamelan music, painting, and wood carving.
“These visitors shared their experiences across the world, and gradually more people came to Bali, even staying in local homes and integrating with community life,” he said.
“Over time, Bali has evolved not only as a center of cultural richness—with its traditions and local wisdom—but also as a destination known for its natural beauty and the hospitality of its people,” he added.
Koster firmly stressed that Bali’s tourism cannot be separated from its culture, as it is the very foundation of its growth and economic contribution. Therefore, preserving Balinese culture is essential.
To safeguard tourism that is culturally grounded, high-quality, and dignified, Koster has introduced key policies, including Regional Regulation No. 5/2020 on Standards for Cultural Tourism Implementation, as well as Governor Circular Letter No. 4/2023, which outlines guidelines—commonly known as “Do’s and Don’ts”—for international tourists visiting Bali.
During the interview, Governor Koster also used the opportunity to call on the global community—particularly Russian tourists—to actively participate in preserving Bali.
“Coming to Bali is not just about taking a vacation. Visitors must also help protect and love Bali. Bali belongs to the world and must be preserved together,” he said.
“If we fail to take care of it, the world may one day lose Bali as a unique and attractive destination. Like a beautiful woman, Bali must remain beautiful despite the passage of time, while preserving its originality,” Koster concluded.
The statement was well received by the Russian journalist during the interview at Jayasabha.***
