Bali Governor Pledges Support to Develop World-Class Bartenders, Plans National Championship
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced plans to develop bartending as a new creative economy sector, following a Mixology & Flair Bartender competition using Bali's local arak spirit held in Denpasar. The provincial government will fund young bartenders competing internationally in Las Vegas and Poland, establish ongoing training programs, and consider hosting a national bartending championship in Bali. Tourists visiting Bali's bars and restaurants may increasingly encounter creative arak-based cocktails and flair bartending performances as a result of this initiative.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster attended the Mixology & Flair Bartender Competition held on August 9, 2025, at Gedung Kertha Sabha in Denpasar as part of celebrations marking Bali Province's 68th anniversary. During the event, he announced government commitment to developing bartending as a new pillar of Bali's creative economy based on local products.
The competition featured 23 talented young bartenders who showcased cocktail-making skills using Bali's local arak spirit combined with fruits and regional spices, alongside flair bartending techniques involving bottle juggling. The winner, Kadek Suniantara, created a cocktail called 'Dewan Kemangi' combining arak with basil, ginger, passion fruit syrup, lime, and Sprite, earning a cash prize of 15 million rupiah and a spot to compete in Poland.
The government's attention to this profession began when two Bali bartenders, Eka Darmawan and Rico Ardiana, visited the Governor's office to discuss plans to compete internationally in Las Vegas and Poland, explaining they would have to self-fund their trips. Koster committed provincial funds, drawing from Bank BPD Bali resources, to cover their travel and competition expenses, and expressed hope to support additional winners if Poland's competition offers more slots.
Koster emphasized that bartending is not merely a hospitality job but a specialized skill that strengthens Bali's identity as a world tourism destination. He proposed establishing a national-level 'Bali Governor's Cup' bartending championship to be hosted in Bali, and instructed provincial agencies to provide ongoing training and certification for competition participants, akin to preparing athletes for future competitions.
The Bali Industry and Trade Agency announced plans to conduct data collection on bartenders across Bali and, starting in September, to open a training and performance space at Lapangan Renon in Denpasar for beginner bartenders, including vocational school students, to practice under senior mentors. The training will also promote use of legally licensed arak, in compliance with Provincial Regulation No. 1 of 2020, requiring products to carry BPOM approval and excise tax stamps. The government also plans to facilitate capital assistance for bartenders wishing to start their own businesses.
Things to Consider
Travelers to Bali may find an increasing number of bars and restaurants offering creative cocktails made with local arak spirit; those interested should seek out establishments serving arak-based cocktails to experience this emerging trend. However, since arak has a high alcohol content, choose venues using legally licensed products bearing BPOM approval and excise tax stamps, and drink responsibly. Visitors may also want to look out for announcements regarding the proposed 'Bali Governor's Cup' national championship or training showcases at Lapangan Renon in Denpasar, which could offer opportunities to watch skilled young bartenders perform live.
Source: NUSABALI.com