Bali, an island in Indonesia, known for its spiritual lifestyle and beautiful landscapes is currently developing a strategic attempt towards becoming a world-class culinary tourism hub—powered entirely by organic agriculture.
The provincial government has announced a major initiative to develop organic farming as the foundation for a unique, health-oriented food travel experience.
A Legal Commitment to 100% Organic Agriculture
According to I Wayan Sumarajaya, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, the province has put official rules in place to gradually eliminate chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
“This becomes Bali’s advantage and identity in the eyes of the world—not just as a cultural tourism destination, but as a center for sustainable tourism and an organic island,” stated I Wayan Sumarajaya, Head of the Bali Tourism Office (29/4/2026).
Key policies include Provincial Regulation No. 8 of 2019 on the Organic Farming System and Governor Regulation No. 15 of 2021, which strictly prohibits chemical inputs in farming.
The national Ministry of Agriculture also supports this shift by subsidizing organic fertilizer distribution annually.
Surprisingly, many local farmers have already started using organic fertilizer after noticing the benefits they produce—such as a higher economic value of the organic produce.
As of April 2026, 70% of Bali’s rice paddies have gone organic, along with nearly all horticultural crops, vegetables, and fruits.
The government is optimistic that the entire island’s farmlands will be fully organic by 2028.
Benefits for Travelers, Farmers, and the Environment
The transition toward organic fertilizer provides clear advantages for foreign visitors. First, it allows the development of restaurants and culinary experiences to use chemical-free, nutrient-rich ingredients—which is popular among health-conscious tourists.
Second, using organic fertilizers preserves Bali’s beautiful ecosystems, protecting the soil, water, and air from pollutants.
For local farmers, the shift means higher incomes and premium prices for their harvests.
Currently, Bali is the only Indonesian province with a full-scale organic farming system which gives it a unique global identity as a “cultural and sustainable tourist destination” and an “organic island”.
Source: ANTARA News
Feat Image: ANTARA News