Bali Governor Hopes Arak Bali Bartenders Repeat Success at Poland Competition
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has expressed hope that three Balinese bartenders, who previously placed second at a world championship in Las Vegas, will achieve similar success at an upcoming competition in Poland in November 2026. The effort is part of a broader push to promote the local spirit Arak Bali internationally.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has announced his hopes for three bartenders specializing in cocktails made with Arak Bali, the island's traditional distilled spirit, as they prepare to compete in the Food Town Flair Challenge IV in Poland, scheduled for November 18-19, 2026.
The three bartenders—Gede Rico Hardiana Widnyana, I Wayan Eka Darmawan, and I Kadek Suniantara—are set to depart for the competition on November 16, 2026.
Among them, Rico previously achieved second place at The TDuB World Championship-Grand Finals held in Las Vegas on October 4-5, 2026, winning a prize of USD 4,000. The event, part of the Grand Slam World Flair Association circuit, featured 33 participants from 18 countries. Governor Koster views the participation of young Balinese talent in international competitions as a strategic opportunity to creatively promote local products.
During their time in Las Vegas, Rico and Eka Darmawan also participated in a charity event, auctioning four bottles of Arak Bali-based cocktails for approximately USD 400 (around IDR 7.22 million) for donation purposes.
This news does not involve any direct impact on tourists or residents; rather, it highlights ongoing efforts to raise international awareness of Arak Bali, a traditional Balinese product.
Things to Consider
While this news does not directly affect tourist safety or daily life, visitors interested in local culture may want to seek out bars or restaurants in Bali that serve cocktails made with Arak Bali. When purchasing bottles to take home, choose products from officially certified distilleries to ensure quality and legality.
Source: ANTARA News Bali