DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali’s villa sector is under renewed scrutiny after industry representatives revealed a significant gap between officially registered properties and those actively operating across digital platforms.
Speaking after a preparation meeting for Bali Villa Connect 2026 on Wednesday (April 22, 2026), the Chair of the Bali Villa Rental and Management Association (BVRMA), Kadek Adnyana, said only around 12,000 villas are officially registered, while an estimated 370,000 units are listed online.
The disparity is seen as a strong indication that many villas may be operating outside formal regulatory frameworks.
“Many villas have not fulfilled administrative obligations, including tax compliance. This directly impacts regional development,” Adnyana said.
He noted that the situation creates an imbalance, as some operators benefit from public infrastructure without contributing proportionally to local revenues, potentially affecting the quality of public services and development.
To address the issue, BVRMA is organizing Bali Villa Connect 2026 as a cross-sector forum to discuss regulatory frameworks, licensing, and the use of technology in villa management.
A key focus of the forum is the development of a standardized villa classification system, aimed at improving legal clarity and supporting more effective monitoring of the sector.
Meanwhile, Ngurah Bagus Gede Pasek Wira Kusuma from the Bali Provincial Tourism Office said efforts to organize the villa sector align with broader initiatives to improve tourism workforce quality.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including unlicensed operations, inconsistent service standards, and waste management issues.
Authorities have begun data collection efforts down to the village level, involving local officials to improve accuracy and identify properties that have shifted from private residences to commercial villa use.
Industry participants also highlighted the absence of clear classification standards across the villa sector.
“From small villas to large complexes, clear standards are needed to ensure better governance,” said accommodation business operator Agung Juliarta.
Sustainability was also raised as a key topic, including workforce practices, waste management, and the use of local products.
Stakeholders emphasized that without structured regulation, the rapid growth of Bali’s villa industry may not translate into balanced economic benefits or sustainable regional development.