UBUD, Bali (BPN) – The use of local Bali products in the tourism industry continues to be promoted by the government.
This is part of an effort to achieve sustainable tourism by involving local communities, which in turn can improve their welfare.
The use of local products is outlined in Bali Governor Regulation Number 99 of 2018 on the Marketing and Utilization of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Local Industry Products in Bali.
As shared by Made Suhartana, the General Manager of ARMA Museum & Resort, his side has been utilizing local products since 1996.
Made Suhartana emphasized that ARMA Museum & Resort, which started with a museum, followed by a restaurant, and then accommodation and a resort, has the concept of preserving art and culture to safeguard Bali’s traditional arts, including local wisdom.
“This means that ARMA is highly focused on the preservation and development of Balinese arts and culture, so everything here is Balinese. From food and beverages, we use nearly 95 percent of local products. That’s why ARMA is a unique destination,” he explained.
Additionally, Made Suhartana highlighted the importance of socialization, coaching, and practice, which should be conducted by the government to local product suppliers to ensure the quality and quantity are maintained.
A sufficient supply of local products with excellent quality is crucial for the success of this program, considering that it is closely tied to guest experience and satisfaction.
ARMA, he continued, is very selective in choosing local products and suppliers to maintain guest satisfaction.
Therefore, the ARMA team often directly visits suppliers or farmers to ensure they receive high-quality products.
Another challenge in utilizing local products is related to quantity, especially for seasonal items, such as during Bali’s rainy season, which can affect the quality of fruits.
“This means that the government might consider providing a team to help suppliers understand how to consistently create and maintain quality products,” he concluded.
