TABANAN, DEWATA.NEWS – Tourist visits to Jatiluwih in Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, have reportedly declined by up to 80 percent, following a dispute involving the installation of metal sheets by several business operators previously sealed for violations.
The situation has had a significant impact on the image of the rice terrace landscape, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly among international visitors. Management officials say the controversy has led to widespread concern and cancellations, especially from European markets.
Manager of the Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction, I Ketut Purna, said on Friday, January 2, 2026, that the decline was most severe among foreign tourists during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
“Visitor numbers dropped by as much as 80 percent. The impact has been very serious, especially for international tourists,” Purna said.
According to Purna, the installation of metal sheets at several points within the area created misleading perceptions among visitors. Some tourists reportedly believed the site was experiencing protests or open conflict, prompting safety concerns and travel cancellations.
He noted that tourists from France, traditionally one of Jatiluwih’s key international markets, have halted visits to the area.
“French tourists have canceled their trips and no longer consider Jatiluwih as a destination,” he said.
The decline comes despite Jatiluwih’s recent international recognition. On September 30, 2025, in Montpellier, France, Jatiluwih was named one of the world’s best sustainable destinations in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2025, becoming the only site from Indonesia included in the list.
Data from the site’s management shows total visitor numbers in 2025 reached 388,872, down from 421,927 visits in 2024. The downward trend was recorded across most months, with a notable drop in December 2025, when only 17,682 visits were logged, compared to 18,838 visitors in December 2024.
Purna warned that the situation should not be allowed to continue and urged authorities to take swift and concrete action to resolve the issue.
“The individuals installing the metal sheets are only a small group, not the farmers as a whole. This needs to be addressed immediately so it does not cause further damage to tourism,” he said.
In contrast, domestic tourist visits have remained relatively stable. Management noted that some Indonesian visitors were even drawn to the site out of curiosity regarding the ongoing situation.
“Domestic visitors are still coming. Some are interested in seeing the actual conditions on the ground,” Purna added.
The management of Jatiluwih is calling for coordinated action from the government and all relevant stakeholders to restore the site’s image as a leading global destination and to rebuild confidence among international travelers.