Exclusive Interview with Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya

Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office

Note: The following text has been extracted from a video recording of the interview with Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office. The text is taken from the interpreter's English interpretation.

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: Greetings from us from Bali. You come to us from Lebanon to see the beautiful Bali and tourism.

Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. I Wayan, for hosting us today and giving us this unique opportunity for a short interview to be listened to by all our Lebanese audience.

Interviewer: What is the secret for a fast-growing tourism? Touristic activities are skyrocketing. Everybody wants to visit Bali. It’s well known for its cultural identity, heritage, patrimony, culinary art. The people are amazing. We really fell in love with Bali without exploring Bali. What is the secret, Excellency?

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: The uniqueness of Bali is a combination of natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage and traditional, spirituality and hospitality of its people.

Interviewer: Preserving cultural heritage, enhancing a very beautiful identity and people-to-people ties and connections throughout the globe and the world, how are you always keeping on preserving this patrimony, heritage, identity and making Bali always a dream to come true?

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: One of the key factors that distinguishes Bali from other destinations is that Bali has a strong presence of cultural values and local wisdom. We call it Tri Hita Karana. The concept of Tri Hita Karana is living in harmony among people and also to nature and God. We also have Sab Kerthi, which is respect of our air, water, lake, six symbols that we need to respect.

Interviewer: Besides the highly and well-known touristic destinations, especially for our Lebanese audience, these avenues are always explored by our Lebanese. What are the other touristic spots, hidden spots, farthest ones that you give your recommendation to tourists, especially for Lebanese, to visit?

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: Bali has the beautifulness of each nature and also the beach, the culture, the handicraft, the culinary, lot of things that tourists can go and enjoy tourism in Bali. Like I previously said that Bali has a lot of touristic experiences of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage etc.

Interviewer: If we want to shorten the road between Lebanon and Bali, any potential avenue of collaboration between the Lebanese flight agencies and Bali for a better communication and a fastest road without a layover? To make the long, shorter, because people, I am sure, cannot wait but to discover this beautiful gem.

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: There are a lot of international flights from the Middle East, as we know, the international market is fast growing here in Bali, so we hope the same for the Lebanese market. So, for touristic destinations, for the lovers of the beach, they can go to Kuta, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Penida, and we also have Kintamani. There is a lake and a beautiful mountain, and we also have a cultural village, Tenganan, in Karangasem District.

Interviewer: Any potential avenue of collaboration to enhance this people-to-people tie by creating a direct route between Bali and Lebanon?

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: We need more discussion with our main government in Jakarta regarding any possibility to create this opportunity.

Interviewer: Last but not least, I know that 2026 was very successful in terms of tourism, and what are your future projects and plans for 2027?

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: We have a mission. The government has a mission to preserve environment and our culture. The environment and culture are one of the main strengths of Bali to develop our tourism, so in 2027 we will keep on preserving our culture and environment, and we will keep on building sustainable and quality tourism.

Interviewer: What is your message to our Lebanese audience?

Mr. I Wayan Sumarajaya: We have a lot of attractions that we in Bali, really hope that Lebanese market will come and visit us and enjoy the tourism in Bali.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for this time, until we meet again, and until we meet again.

Transcription Note

This transcription has been prepared to the best of my ability, based on what I was able to hear and understand from the interpreter’s English interpretation of the interview. As I do not speak Indonesian, the transcription reflects my best understanding of the English interpretation available in the recording.

Joelle A. Aziz

Founder of www.signaturebyj.com

The Island’s Complete Package and Unique Combination: A Call to All Lebanese People

Bali’s growing tourism appeal lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich culinary traditions, but also in its profound cultural identity, spiritual values, and the genuine hospitality of its people. Preserving cultural heritage and protecting the natural environment are essential pillars of the island’s tourism vision.

In my opinion, Bali offers an inspiring example of how tourism can flourish while respecting traditions, strengthening local identity, and promoting sustainability. Beyond its scenic beauty, the island invites visitors to discover a way of life rooted in harmony between people, nature, and spirituality. Strengthening connections with Lebanon, including exploring the possibility of direct flights, could open new horizons for tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy, bringing both destinations closer through mutual understanding and shared appreciation of their cultural heritage.