Bali is in a longstanding tug-of-war between wanting to grow its tourism sector, attract ever more international tourists, and maintain a high quality of service and experiences while prioritizing cultural respect and sustainability.
In a meeting of minds, leaders from all of Bali’s biggest tourism associations have committed to developing more high-quality tourism for the island’s travelers and holidaymakers.
The Regent of Badung, Wayan Adi Arnawa, who oversees Bali’s biggest tourism resorts like Canggu, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, has held a meeting with the leaders of the province’s biggest tourism associations.
During the meeting, Regent Arnawa emphasized that the Badung Regency Government is committed to building high-quality, sustainable tourism rooted in local Balinese wisdom and bolstered by strengthening cross-sector collaborations.
Regent Arnawa shared “Tourism that is developed must be in line with the values of Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, as a foundation for maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and culture.”
Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, is a Balinese philosophy introduced into the political sphere by Governor of Bali Wyaan Koster. It is a philosophy focused on sustainable development, inspired by traditional Balinese values.
Broken down into its elemental parts. Nangun means to build or maintain, Sat Kerti refers to the six sacred sources of well-being in Balinese culture, and Loka Bali means ‘the world of Bali’. The six elements of well-being in Balinese culture may be familiar to travelers who have already visited the island.
Many of these elements are featured in the design of hotels and accommodations, spa menus, restaurants, and, of course, the island’s cultural attractions and natural landscapes.
Each ‘kerthi’ or element represents an aspect of life that must be tended to with care and diligence in order for the overall well-being of each person, community and landscape to be achieved.
Atma Kerthi is all about sanctifying the soul through spiritual practice, Segara Kerthi focuses on preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the sea, and Danu Kerthi is dedicated to protecting lakes, rivers, and water sources.
Wana Kerthi is the fourth aspect, which focuses on conserving forests and natural environments. Jana Kerthi is oriented on enhancing the quality and dignity of human life. Finally, Jagat Kerthi is defined by all efforts to maintain the harmony of the world and the universe.
For tourists visiting Bali, these elements make for a spiritually inspiring, restful, rejuvenating, connected, and meaningful travel experience.
Many tourism leaders are concerned, however, that with the rapid growth of the tourism sector and further shifts towards mass tourism, even in some areas of the island overtures, these philosophies will be overlooked, and a poorer-quality tourism sector could emerge.
During the meeting, Regent Arnawa was open about the issues faced by Badung Regency’s biggest tourism resorts and the impacts these shortcomings have on tourists, local communities, and the environment.
He cited traffic congestion, pressure on environmental carrying capacity, waste management, broken sidewalks, and dangerous overhead cables as issues that need to be urgently resolved.
Regent Arnawa is committed to developing and implementing policies that will help solve these long-standing problems in the area. This will make Bali’s biggest tourism resorts safer and more comfortable for tourists, who will then be able to connect more deeply with Balinese culture and the landscape.
He noted “All of these policies are part of a long-term strategy to realize tourism that is oriented towards quality, not just quantity. For that, a joint commitment is needed to strengthen the synergy between local governments, tourism associations, and all elements of society.”
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Shorty
Friday 2nd of May 2025
Can we cut this 'High Quality' crap. It's meaningless. The tourist numbers show whatever we're doing (or not doing) we seem to have got it right. We already have it if you define have high quality as people who come, enjoy themselves, don't cause any hassles and have a diverse spend. The reported supposed behaviour 'problem' is way out of line with reality. It's just the old political coathanger of law and order. If High Quality means cashed up seeking top of the line you're screwing the Balinese economy. Overwhelmingly the tourist economy is driven by people exploring, getting out and about,engaging with local businesses. The top end don't do this.