Bali Arak Mixology Competition Welcomed with Enthusiasm by Bali's Youth
High-spirited young Balinese are showcasing the potential of local arak at the Bali Arak Mixology Competition auditions, organised by DPC PDI Perjuangan Denpasar City, Klungkung Regency, Karangasem Regency and Buleleng Regency on Monday, 18 May. The event, held in the meeting hall of the Bali DPD PDI Perjuangan headquarters, drew contestants from four regencies/cities in Bali. The audition participants came from Denpasar, Klungkung, Karangasem and Buleleng, and their enthusiasm was evident from the start as they demonstrated their best skills in crafting Bali arak-based drinks with creativity and distinctive touches.
Three female contestants attended, representing Klungkung, Karangasem and Buleleng. The Klungkung representative, Dewa Ayu Sri Wahyuni, was the sole woman among 14 participants and nonetheless emerged as the first-place winner, proving that women can compete and excel in the world of mixology. The competition’s judges then selected the top three from each regency/city to advance to the final round to be held in June.
For Denpasar, the results were: 1st I Kadek Ryan Budi Ardika, 2nd Kadek Dika Sastrawan, and 3rd I Wayan Levi Johniawan. In Karangasem, the top three were: 1st I Kadek Agus Ariya, 2nd I Wayan Taman Artha, and 3rd I Kadek Buda Arnawa. In Buleleng, 1st Ketut Rino Suyastrawan, 2nd I Putu Aldy Muliastrawan, and 3rd I Komang Tri Widhi Ardika.
In Klungkung, the competition was notable for having only one female contestant among 14; Dewa Ayu Sri Wahyuni performed confidently and won first place. The second and third places in Klungkung went to I Nyoman Devan Rishikesha Sabha and Arya Agung Mahendra Kusuma respectively.
The Bali Arak Mixology Competition carries total prize scholarships of Rp39 million and is part of Bung Karno Month celebrations in 2026. It is hoped to elevate the younger generation’s appreciation for, preservation of, and development of local products into world-class works. The final is scheduled for June.
Governor Wayan Koster of Bali confirmed that Bali’s UMKM products, including Bali Arak, would have shelf space in outlets managed by Angkasa Pura Indonesia at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. DPC PDI Perjuangan of Buleleng Regency has been appointed as host of the Final of Bali Arak Mixology and Bali Barista Coffee as part of Bung Karno Month commemorations. The Bali Signature Drink Edition, organised by the Fermenusa community and Level 21 mall, is part of the third Arak Day celebrations held every 29 January. There are now around 60 Bali Arak-based brands. Sugar arak is very dangerous to health because it contains ethanol and other chemicals, unlike Bali Arak.