Investment continues to flow into Bali. Hotels rise. Villas expand. New projects keep appearing across the island. But Governor I Wayan Koster has a clear message for investors: growth must mean something deeper than concrete and profit.
He is urging businesses to help build Bali itself, not simply build projects inside Bali. For him, the difference matters. Development must protect the island’s environment and cultural identity. It must stand with Bali, not stand on top of it.
Koster delivered that message after meeting with the leadership of Nawa Cita Pariwisata Indonesia (NCPI) Bali Province in Denpasar on Tuesday (10/2/2026). He posed a direct question. “Building Bali or building in Bali?”
The governor emphasized that every project should create tangible benefits for the Balinese people. Economic activity cannot come at the expense of nature or tradition. That principle is being formalized through a Regional Regulation on Land Conversion, which is still in process.
“We’ve already processed the land conversion regulation. Once it’s officially issued, I’ll certainly take firm action and clean up the mess. There’s no vested interest in it,” Koster stressed.
Beyond tourism investment, he also addressed Bali’s broader economic direction. The island, he said, needs clarity about where its economy is heading and what its future sources of income will look like.
“We need to clarify the future direction of Bali’s economy and its resources,” he added.
On the investment front, Agus Maha Usadha, Chair of the Regional Executive Board of NCPI Bali Province, announced plans for an upcoming forum. The Investment Forum will take place at the Sanur Special Economic Zone (KEK) on February 18.
The event, titled the Bali Economy Investment Forum, carries a bundling concept. It is designed to connect strategic stakeholders in one platform. According to Agus, it will also function as a space for strategic dialogue to ensure investment aligns with Bali’s economic strengthening.
Concerns over land conversion remain serious. Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra previously revealed that agricultural land conversion is still high. This continues despite existing general policies aimed at protecting farmland.
While waiting for the Land Conversion Regional Regulation to be finalized, the governor has already taken interim steps. He issued Governor Instruction Number 5 of 2025. The instruction strictly bans the conversion of productive agricultural land, Sustainable Food Agricultural Land (LP2B), and Standard Rice Field Areas (LBS) into non-agricultural use across Bali.
For Governor Koster, the message is consistent. Investment is welcome. Growth is necessary. But Bali’s land, culture, and long-term future cannot be the price.
