Bali Governor I Wayan Koster disclosed that he was once approached with a lucrative investment proposal to establish a casino on the island, an offer that promised up to IDR 100 trillion in annual revenue for the provincial government.
Despite the staggering figure, Koster firmly rejected the plan, stressing that such a project could severely undermine Bali’s cultural foundation the very backbone of its global tourism appeal.
According to Kompas.com, “Once we make the wrong move by undermining Balinese culture and abandoning culture as the basis of tourism, we could lose more than IDR 100 trillion and put Bali’s future at risk,”
Koster stated during a speech at the Bali Cultural Park on Friday (August 15, 2025). He declined to name the investor who proposed turning Bali into what he described as a potential “gambling paradise.”
Culture as Unique Selling Point
Koster emphasized that Bali’s cultural wealth is the island’s greatest asset and the key factor that distinguishes it from other tourist destinations around the world.
“Cultural-based tourism exists only here in the world, so there is no competition. We will continue to win in cultural tourism. Going forward, we must never waver on this matter of culture,” he asserted.
According to him, if Bali were to shift its focus to entertainment-based attractions like casinos, it would place itself in direct competition with other countries already offering gambling hubs, such as Macau or Singapore.
“No one should even think about building a casino in Bali. I was told, ‘Sir, if there is a casino in Bali, you could immediately get IDR 100 trillion.’ The number may sound great, but once we take the wrong step, Balinese culture could vanish,” Koster explained.
No Space for Large-Scale Projects
The governor also noted that Bali lacks the land capacity to host massive infrastructure projects, such as the Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
Instead, Bali’s focus should remain on nurturing its traditions, ceremonies, and cultural identity that have long been the island’s primary tourism drivers.
“Bali’s culture is unique there is only one Bali in the world. That means we have no competitors. This is why cultural preservation must be the heart of our tourism strategy. If we make the wrong move even once, it could be very dangerous for Bali’s future,” he added as quoted from CNN Indonesia.
Tourism Growth Amid Challenges
Despite persistent challenges such as traffic congestion, waste management problems, and the misbehaviour of some foreign visitors, Bali continues to enjoy strong growth in international tourism.
Provincial government data shows that between March and mid-August 2025, Bali welcomed 4.3 million foreign tourists. This figure is expected to climb to 7.2 million visitors by the end of the year, underscoring the island’s enduring global appeal.
Koster acknowledged these pressures but insisted that tourism growth must be carefully managed to safeguard Bali’s identity.
“We need proper governance and to anticipate the impacts of tourism so that Bali’s sustainability as a world-class cultural destination remains protected,” he said.
Future of Bali Tourism
Koster reiterated that the future of Bali lies not in following the paths of other global entertainment hubs, but in continuing to protect and promote its cultural heritage.
According to him, the island’s distinctiveness is its greatest advantage, and any attempt to divert from that foundation could risk long-term losses that no financial offer can compensate for.
“The figure of IDR 100 trillion may look attractive, but if it comes at the cost of eroding Balinese culture, it will be meaningless. Culture is the essence of our tourism and our identity. Without it, Bali will lose far more than it gains,” he concluded.
Sources: CNN Indonesia, Kompas
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