Indonesia, ADB partner to revitalize Bali tourism sector

This requires synergy with partners like the ADB, as their expertise in project risk management helps us minimize risks, not just secure funding,

Denpasar (ANTARA) – The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to revitalize tourism in Bali.

Assistant Deputy for Tourism Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Herfan Brilianto Mursabdo, explained in Denpasar on Friday that the visit of the Asia-Pacific development bank was not to provide financial aid, but rather to assist Bali in managing its tourism sector.

“We, along with the Asian Development Bank team, are international partners with whom we regularly discuss issues. They possess international best practices, so we can also leverage their expertise, particularly in infrastructure and tourism,” Herfan said.

At this stage, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs is encouraging financial discussions to address tourism challenges in Bali. Funding talks have not yet begun, as the priority is to first determine a more suitable tourism development concept.

“We need to effectively manage financing from the state budget, regional governments, and the private sector. This requires synergy with partners like the ADB, as their expertise in project risk management helps us minimize risks, not just secure funding,” he added.

From the meeting, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs identified several key issues that must be addressed in Bali, including infrastructure gaps, tourism management problems such as waste and beach maintenance, and sustainability concerns related to energy and natural resource use.

“Given Bali’s large number of foreign tourists, we must carefully consider how to balance their presence with the island’s limited resources. This is being discussed because Bali is Indonesia’s main gateway,” Herfan explained.

Head of the Bali Tourism Office (Dispar), I Wayan Sumarajaya, acknowledged that although Bali has a development roadmap, the island still needs guidance.

“We all understand that Bali’s future tourism development will focus on high-quality and dignified cultural tourism. However, Bali’s tourism sector is heavily influenced by foreign tourist arrivals. Although our industry has developed, many problems remain,” he said.

The issues raised by the Bali Provincial Government for support are grouped into three categories: environmental and natural concerns, waste management, and over-concentration of development in South Bali.

“What we are witnessing and experiencing is increasing congestion, mounting waste production, and regional disparities. Hopefully, the presence of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Asian Development Bank can help provide solutions and assistance,” Sumarajaya said.

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