The Indonesian government showed support for tourism in Bali at an event in Jatiluwih on December 2, 2024, with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy calling the island the “heart” of Indonesian tourism.

Antara News Agency reported that Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana was in Jatiluwih at an event celebrating the area’s recent honors as one of United Nations Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages in 2024. She hoped that accolades like the one received from UN Tourism would bring more tourists to Bali, and particularly areas like Jatiluwih.

Deputy Minister Ni Luh Puspa also expressed support for Bali and under-touristed areas like Jatiluwih, adding that the ministry will collaborate with the local government to support tourism in the area and maintain the local culture.

The village of Jatiluwih is best known for its rice terraces, which runs on the Subak method of irrigation and organic farming. Jatiluwih is located in Tabanan, one of the districts in North and East Bali currently being pushed by authorities as an alternative to other tourist-heavy areas in South Bali such as Seminyak and Kuta.

The head of Tabanan District, Komang Gede Sanjaya, has noted the attention that the Tabanan regency, and especially Jatiluwih, has been receiving from the international community, which has booked major events in the area and lauded the local government for its commitment to the area’s own cultures.

Sanjaya mentioned that the district is working on three elements for achieving their tourism goals: “the community that maintains local wisdom, entrepreneurs who support, and the government who also supports.” He also added his hopes that the government would especially support all tourist attractions in Tabanan to sustainably develop their potential.

Jatiluwih was one of the 55 Best Tourism Villages chosen by UN Tourism. The honor is bestowed on “outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.”