JEMBRANA, DEWATA.NEWS – Jembrana Regency hosted its first open-scale tattoo festival, the Negaroa Tattoo Festival (NTF) 2026, marking a new step in promoting creative industries in West Bali.
The two-day event took place on May 1–2 at the Ir. Soekarno Cultural Hall in Dauhwaru, bringing together tattoo artists, communities, and local businesses in a multi-activity festival.
The festival was officially opened by Jembrana Deputy Regent I Gede Ngurah Patriana Krisna, who highlighted the evolving perception of tattoo art in modern society.
“In the past, tattoos were often associated with crime. Today, tattoos are recognized as art and even generate significant economic value, especially with clients coming from outside the region,” he said.
The event was initiated by I Dewa Bagus Putu Prima, founder of Ma Tattoo Bali, with the aim of introducing tattoo artistry as a professional field with clear standards and economic potential.
“A tattoo studio is not just about artists. It also involves designers, videographers, photographers, and administrative roles. This sector contributes to small and medium enterprises and job creation,” Prima explained.
The festival featured a range of activities, including tattoo competitions, community booths, local MSME participation, live music performances, talk shows, and creative contests such as photography and video reels.
Additional programs included a cycling activity and beach clean-up at Pengambengan Beach on the first day, followed by a 6-kilometer fun run on the second day in collaboration with a local running community.
Organizers also hosted talk shows with speakers from various backgrounds, including tattoo artists, public figures, and creative professionals, offering insights into the development of the industry.
According to Prima, Jembrana was chosen as the host location due to its strong connection to the tattoo community.
“Around 30 percent of tattoo artists working in Denpasar and Badung originate from Jembrana. Many have also built careers abroad, including in Australia and Europe,” he said.
The festival is expected to become an annual event, supporting both local talent and tourism promotion in the region.
Officials and organizers expressed hope that continued collaboration with communities and stakeholders will help establish Jembrana as a recognized creative hub in Bali.