Bali's Rice Fields Shrink by 3,000 Hectares, Koster Accelerates Organic System

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has disclosed the ongoing shrinkage of rice fields in Bali. Over nearly eight years, the area of rice fields in Bali has reduced by around 3,000 hectares. To maximise the existing land, Koster will accelerate the transformation to an organic farming system.

“We will accelerate the implementation of the organic farming system,” Koster stated in his speech at the 28th Plenary Session in the Main Building of the Bali Provincial DPRD, on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

According to Koster, when he first led Bali in 2018, there were about 71,000 hectares of rice fields. However, it has now shrunk to 68,000 hectares.

“Back when I first (became Governor), it was around 71,000 hectares, now it’s down to 68,000 hectares. Organic farming covers about 44,000 hectares or around 65 percent,” he explained.

Koster has instructed the Head of the Bali Agriculture Department to reorganise the organic farming transformation system. According to him, Bali receives full support from the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) because it is the only province with a regional regulation on organic farming systems.

“Bali Province is the only province that has a regional regulation on organic farming systems, thus receiving full support from the Ministry of Agriculture,” explained the PDIP politician.

“So it must be completed at the latest by 2028. All organic farming must be fully implemented in all districts and cities,” he added.

In addition, he called on everyone to expand the application of Bali Provincial Regulation Number 99 of 2018 on the Marketing and Utilisation of Agricultural, Fishery, and Local Bali Industrial Products.

Koster also requested that all parties control the conversion of productive land in accordance with the issued map. There is also an acceleration of the coconut tree cultivation programme as a source for ceremonial facilities and the production of tuak, a traditional Balinese drink.

He urged all parties, including business actors, companies, hotels, restaurants, and malls, to use Bali’s local products. “We must use Bali’s local products to stimulate the Balinese economy, to contribute to improving the welfare and happiness of the Balinese people,” he emphasised.

“Don’t enjoy it alone, seek profit alone, detach yourself from ties with the Balinese community. That is not something we expect. We must build together, collaborate so that we mutually benefit each other and can survive into the future,” Koster concluded.