BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Bali Provincial Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen its culture-based economy by expanding coconut planting programs, responding to the rising demand for traditional Balinese arak.

Governor Wayan Koster announced the initiative during his one-year leadership address alongside the Vice Governor for the 2025–2026 period at the Bali Provincial DPRD Main Hall on Wednesday (March 25, 2026).

In his speech, Koster emphasized the vital role of coconuts in Balinese daily life, particularly in traditional and religious ceremonies, as well as in the production of arak, a locally distilled spirit that has gained increasing popularity.

“We are currently accelerating efforts to support traditional ceremonial needs and the production of palm wine as raw material for Balinese arak,” Koster said.

He noted that the growing demand for arak, both in local and national markets, presents a significant economic opportunity that must be supported by sustainable raw material supply.

The program is also part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to maintain a culture-based economic resilience while improving the welfare of local farmers.

According to Koster, sales data from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport show that Balinese arak is highly sought after by international travelers.

“Arak sold at the international departure area is selling very well. It has become a best-selling product, outperforming others. Around 400 to 500 liters are sold each month,” he explained.

Through the mass coconut planting program, the government aims not only to meet domestic demand but also to strengthen arak Bali’s position as a leading regional product with high economic value.

“Coconut planting must be intensified to ensure arak production continues to grow, as it is increasingly favored by tourists visiting Bali,” Koster added.

To date, the Bali Provincial Government has implemented coconut planting programs across several regions, planting tens of thousands of seedlings of various coconut varieties.

In Klungkung Regency, Daksina coconuts have been planted around the Tukad Unda reservoir area in Gunaksa Village, Dawan District. In Karangasem Regency, the focus is on dwarf coconut varieties such as Genjah Kuning Bali and Genjah Salak in Tri Eka Buana Traditional Village, Sidemen District. Meanwhile, in Badung Regency, around 2,000 dwarf coconut seedlings have been planted as part of the initiative.