Bali Governor Presents Balinese Arak Management as a Model for Wakatobi's Tourism Development
Bali Governor Wayan Koster showcased the island's regulated approach to Balinese arak, a traditional spirit, as a model for Wakatobi Regency in Southeast Sulawesi to develop its own tourism and local products. He emphasized that rather than banning arak, Bali chose to regulate it, which has supported local small businesses and boosted sales to tourists.
On Wednesday in Denpasar, Bali Governor Wayan Koster presented the island's regulatory framework for Balinese arak, a traditional distilled spirit, as a reference model during a visit from Wakatobi Regent Haliana. Rather than banning the product, Koster explained, Bali chose to regulate it under Gubernatorial Regulation No. 1 of 2020, which governs traditional fermented and distilled beverages including arak, brem, and tuak.
According to Koster, the policy avoids issuing permits to large corporations and instead supports local small and medium enterprises (UMKM), with strict oversight covering licensing, packaging and labeling, and distribution through cooperatives or authorized distributors. He noted that arak Bali has become one of the top-selling products at retail outlets in the arrival and departure areas of Ngurah Rai International Airport. Koster also highlighted Balinese salt as another quality local product worth developing.
The two officials also discussed strengthening Wakatobi's tourism packages, with Koster stressing the need for clear attractions supported by quality hotels, restaurants, and destinations. Regent Haliana noted that Wakatobi already has two direct flights per week to Bali, calling it an opportunity to deepen tourism ties, and expressed interest in a study visit to learn from Bali's approach to local product management.
This report concerns inter-regional policy exchange and potential future tourism cooperation; it does not involve any immediate regulatory change or direct impact on current visitors or residents in Bali.
Things to Consider
Balinese arak remains legally available for purchase at the airport and authorized retailers, so visitors can safely buy it through official channels such as hotels, restaurants, or licensed shops. Avoid purchasing alcohol from unregulated street vendors, as its quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.
Source: ANTARA News Bali