BaliCEB and Bali Provincial Government Collaborate to Build International MICE Based on Local Wisdom

The Bali Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry based on Balinese culture, environmental sustainability, and local business empowerment. The commitment was stated by Bali Governor Wayan Koster during a meeting with BaliCEB officials at Jayasabha in Denpasar on Wednesday (27 May). Governor Koster was accompanied by the Provincial Tourism Office Head, Wayan Sumarajaya. Attendees from BaliCEB included Ng Choi Choi, Putri Windrawati, Agung Rai Suryawijaya, Nyoman Sunarta, Gede Ginaya, Ketut Jaman, Wayan Sugiantara, and Made Parwata. The Governor stressed that Bali should not merely serve as a venue for international events but must become an economic growth hub whose benefits are directly felt by the local community. ‘Bali must have its own economic strength. The MICE industry must deliver tangible benefits to local communities, businesses, and preserve Bali’s culture and environment,’ the Governor emphasised. In his directives, the Governor requested all MICE activities in Bali to strongly reflect Balinese cultural identity, from venue decoration and guest welcoming to traditional performances and ceremonial attire. He stated that international participants should experience Balinese culture firsthand through dances, gamelan music, traditional cuisine, and the use of local fabrics like songket or endek. The provincial government also urges all international events in Bali to adhere to standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs) based on Balinese culture and local wisdom. These SOPs are planned to be formalised through a Governor’s Circular. Positive news for Bali’s hotel industry, PCOs, event organisers, and tourism associations. Governor Koster affirmed his support for MICE activities to involve more local Bali companies. The provincial government is even considering policies to mandate that national and international events in Bali use local PCOs/EOs as primary organisers or official partners. Additionally, companies operating in Bali are expected to hold local business licenses and domicile, pay taxes in Bali, and use regional banking services such as BPD Bali. The Governor also urged BaliCEB to help build professional, high-quality, and internationally competitive Bali-based PCOs/EOs. Green MICE as Bali’s New Direction During the meeting, the green MICE concept was a key focus. Koster stated Bali must become a global example of sustainable MICE destinations. Starting in 2028, Bali’s tourist transport will be required to use electric vehicles. The provincial government plans to expand charging station infrastructure to support this transition. In the culinary sector, the provincial government encourages hotels and event organisers to feature Balinese gastronomy as part of the MICE experience. Local specialties such as ayam betutu, klepon, plecing, and native fruits are to be promoted as main dishes at international events and conferences. The use of local organic ingredients is also a priority to support green tourism and green MICE concepts. Bali plans to host non-rice-based cooking competitions to diversify local food sources and strengthen the island’s culinary identity. Beyond MICE, Governor Koster highlighted the importance of maintaining Bali’s reputation as a global tourism destination. He requested data on tourism businesses and workforce to inform strategic regional policies. In education, Bali’s universities are seen as having strong potential to host foreign students for 3-6 month study programs in tourism, culture, and hospitality. ‘The goal is for the world to learn tourism in Bali,’ the Governor said. (E-2) The Bali Provincial Government is promoting KKI Online for procurement services. Transactions up to Rp200 million are now safer, more transparent, and integrated with Mbizmarket in Bali. The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to optimising and securing regional assets through a Land Utilisation Cooperation Handover Report signed with PT BDL.