DENPASAR – A collective of 28 organizations representing creative economy actors has officially established the Bali Creative Board (BCB), a new parent organization designed to unite the island’s diverse creative and digital industries.
This announcement was made on May 21, 2026, at the Bali Tourism Office. I Made Artana, recognized for leading Bali Tech Startup, was chosen as the first chairman of the board.
The formation marks a historic step, as Bali becomes the first region in Indonesia to establish such a comprehensive creative economy association.
A “Big House” for Creatives
Made Artana characterized BCB as a “shared big house” that will umbrella various organizations, inspired by the success of the Bali Tourism Board in connecting the tourism ecosystem.
The initiative came from a bottom-up movement by creative actors themselves, aiming to reduce Bali’s heavy dependence on tourism by building a robust alternative economic sector.
“This is a historic moment for creative and digital economy players in Bali because for the first time we can gather in one ‘shared house’ that shelters various organizations.”
The board will implement a hexahelix approach, linking six elements: government, academics, media, market access/funding, communities, and aggregators.
Initial focus covers legal registration, completing the organizational structure, and assisting subsectors like jewelry artisans in forming their own groups.
Building Economic Resilience
Ida Bagus Gunarthawa, Secretary General of the Indonesia Creative Cities Network, emphasized that BCB aims to create economic resilience.
Learning from past crises such as the Bali bombings, bird flu, and COVID-19, he acknowledged that relying solely on tourism leaves Bali highly vulnerable.
The board intends to strengthen Bali’s bargaining position and strategic independence.
Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy has placed high expectations on Bali, acknowledging it as the only region where all 17 creative economy subsectors are present and active.
With initial support from the provincial government, including plans for a regional regulation on creative and digital economy, BCB is positioned to orchestrate private-sector initiatives alongside official policies.
Source: Bali ANTARA News, kabarnusa.com, beritabali.com
Feat Image: Bali ANTARA News