Virtual Destination Tour 360

Badung, 6 February 2026 – The central and regional governments, together with local communities, carried out a large-scale coastal clean-up at Kelan Beach, Kedonganan, and Jimbaran, Badung Regency, on Friday (6/2/2026). The activity, which involved thousands of participants, was a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia and the Provincial Government of Bali to address the growing challenge of coastal waste. The clean-up reflects a shared commitment to protecting the cleanliness and sustainability of Bali’s coastline, an area that plays a vital role in supporting one of Indonesia’s most renowned tourism destinations. From the early morning, participants from various backgrounds worked side by side, collecting plastic waste, driftwood, and other debris carried ashore by ocean currents. The event was attended by the Minister of Environment and Forestry and Head of the Environmental Protection and Management Agency (BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq; Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana; Governor of Bali Wayan Koster; and Regent of Badung I Wayan Adi Arnawa. The initiative also brought together representatives from central and regional government institutions, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), students, environmental groups, and local residents. In his remarks, Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that waste management cannot rely on one-off or ceremonial activities alone. He underlined the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach, supported by strong collaboration among all stakeholders. He noted that Indonesia is currently facing serious waste-related challenges, which are not only technical in nature but also closely linked to public awareness and behavior. President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly highlighted Bali as one of Indonesia’s national showcases, making environmental cleanliness and preservation an issue that requires ongoing and collective attention.   The Minister further stressed the importance of strengthening waste management from upstream to downstream, including reducing the use of single-use plastics, expanding waste processing capacity, and providing continuous education for communities and players in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Governor of Bali Wayan Koster reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Bali’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and strengthening source-based waste management systems. He emphasized that close coordination between the central government, regional administrations, and active community participation is essential to maintaining Bali’s reputation as a high-quality and sustainable tourism destination. Beyond the immediate clean-up effort, the activity also served as a public education moment on the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems. Kelan, Kedonganan, and Jimbaran are well known as popular marine and culinary tourism areas, frequently visited by both domestic and international tourists. Through this initiative, the government hopes to see growing public awareness and stronger collective responsibility in caring for coastal environments. Clean and healthy beaches are not only important for visual appeal, but also for environmental health, the long-term sustainability of tourism, and the well-being of future generations.

Arak Bali is a traditional Balinese spirit that has existed and evolved alongside the local community for centuries. More than a naturally fermented beverage, Arak Bali embodies deep cultural, social, and spiritual values. It is commonly used in religious rituals and traditional ceremonies, serving as an offering, a symbol of togetherness, and a representation of the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and ancestors. The production process has been passed down through generations by traditional artisans, utilizing natural ingredients such as coconut or palm sap. In recognition of its cultural significance, Arak Bali was officially designated as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022. This designation affirms Arak Bali’s position as an essential cultural identity that deserves to be protected, preserved, and developed in a responsible and sustainable manner. The commitment to safeguarding and honoring Arak Bali is reflected in the observance of Bali Arak Day, commemorated annually on 29 January, as stipulated in the Decree of the Governor of Bali Number 929/03-I/HK/2022. This observance aims to strengthen protection efforts, enhance the empowerment of traditional artisans, and elevate the dignity of Arak Bali as a form of cultural heritage and local wisdom, both nationally and internationally. The selection of 29 January serves as a meaningful moment to foster collective awareness of the cultural value and significance of Arak Bali. Bali Arak Day is not intended to promote excessive consumption, but rather to position Arak Bali as a high-value cultural product that is managed wisely and sustainably. Bali Arak Day also seeks to promote legal recognition and economic opportunities for traditional producers, farmers, and local MSMEs. This policy represents a form of respect for Arak Bali as an integral part of Balinese social and cultural life. The commemoration is typically marked by various tradition-based activities, including megibung (communal dining), cultural dialogues, and the presentation of Arak Bali at official and social events. Through these activities, it is hoped that a shared sense of pride and responsibility will continue to grow in preserving this valuable cultural heritage for future generations. Overall, Bali Arak Day underscores the importance of protecting, preserving, and empowering Arak Bali, in line with Bali’s development vision “Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali,” which places local culture at the heart of harmony and sustainable living.