Bali arak, produced in Buleleng Regency, will be exported to China for the first time in June. This was announced by Bali Governor Wayan Koster at the opening of the Bali Jagadhita 2025 exhibition. According to him, the first export shipment will consist of two containers — about 30,000 bottles of various sizes. Details regarding the cost and delivery schedule were not disclosed.
Koster stated that Chinese entrepreneurs became interested after personally familiarizing themselves with arak production in northern Bali.
“The Chinese government and business representatives conducted research in several countries, then came to Bali and carried out a series of tastings. As a result, they chose arak from Buleleng due to its taste and quality,” he noted.
The Governor recalled that a turning point in the fate of Balinese arak was his Decree No. 1 of 2020, which officially recognized the traditional drink as a cultural product. 'Earlier, arak was considered something illegal. Now it is exported — it has become a symbol of Balinese identity,' said Koster.
The Governor also shared his personal vitality recipe: 'I stay healthy because I drink coffee with arak without sugar.' However, he did not provide scientific evidence of such benefits.
Koster emphasized that the development of Bali should rely not only on economic growth but also on the preservation of culture, nature, and fair income distribution. In 2025, the Bali Jagadhita exhibition is dedicated to three main areas — trade, investment, and tourism, which are developing under the concept of a 'green economy.'
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