BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – All registered Arak Bali brands are set to be displayed and sold at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, as part of a new initiative by the Bali Provincial Government to strengthen the visibility and credibility of Bali’s traditional alcoholic beverage in the international market.
Under the planned scheme, the management of Arak Bali sales at the airport will no longer be handled by individuals or private companies. Instead, the entire display and retail operation will be managed collectively by the Arak Bali Association.
Dedi Pageriawan, a member of the Tresnaning Arak Bali Association, said the plan reflects Governor I Wayan Koster’s commitment to accommodating all Arak Bali producers under one platform. He expressed hope that the proposal would be fully implemented to help build a stronger international image for locally produced alcoholic beverages.
“This needs to be followed up so it becomes a reality. Duty-free operators or alcohol retailers at the airport should be willing to accommodate Arak Bali brands in their displays,” Dedi said in Denpasar on Monday (9/2/2026).
Dedi, who is also the owner of The Selaka Arak Salak, noted that alcoholic beverages have become part of Bali’s tourism identity. He believes that improving the image and quality perception of Arak Bali will enhance visitor confidence and comfort during their stay.
“With a better image and higher quality standards, we can gradually address restrictions or advisories from tourists’ home countries regarding Arak Bali consumption,” he said. “Arak Bali should be seen as a quality local product that visitors can enjoy while holidaying in Bali.”
Currently, there are 58 registered Arak Bali brands. Governor Koster recently reviewed the Arak Bali display areas at both international departure and arrival terminals of Ngurah Rai Airport on Sunday (8/2/2026).
“We will introduce Arak Bali to the international community through a single display, managed by the Arak Bali Association. It will not be handled by individuals or companies, but by the association,” Koster said.
According to Koster, the association will ensure that all eligible Arak Bali products are accommodated and marketed through outlets at the airport. He emphasized that Arak Bali is a cultural heritage of Bali that must be preserved through a comprehensive management approach.
“From farmers and production processes to marketing, everything must comply with existing regulations,” he said, adding that the initiative is designed to support artisans and improve the local economy.
Koster also stressed the need to raise Arak Bali’s quality standards so it can compete with imported alcoholic beverages. He requested that airport operator Angkasa Pura provide a dedicated display space for Arak Bali at duty-free areas.
“We want more space so it is not only whiskey or brandy on display, especially in duty-free zones,” he said, noting that Bali should promote its own local products rather than seeing visitors bring in imported alcohol.
The Bali Provincial Government has also received official production permits for Arak Bali from the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. The permits were handed over by the Acting Director General of Agro Industry, Putu Juli Ardika.
Putu Juli Ardika said the licensing framework involves partnerships with 1,472 Arak Bali farmers and artisans. Ongoing guidance focuses on improving product quality, safety standards, attractive and secure packaging, as well as marketing and promotional strategies.