Governor Koster gave the example of Balinese wine as a reference for Wakatobi to develop tourism

Denpasar (National Archipelagic Wire) - Bali Governor Wayan Koster took the example of Balinese arak as a reference for Wakatobi in developing tourism while highlighting the potential of local products.

"Don't prohibit it, but we will regulate it," said Koster when receiving a visit from Wakatobi Regent Haliana in Denpasar, Wednesday.

This proposal was submitted because Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, expressed interest in studying directly the policies and governance implemented by Bali, especially in the use of local products to support the community's economy.

Koster took the example of Balinese arak, according to him, Balinese arak does not need to be prohibited, but must be managed and managed properly in accordance with applicable regulations.

It is proven that Balinese arak production has now developed and is able to compete with world-class alcoholic beverage products.

The initial challenge for the Bali Provincial Government is to ensure that arak production can be carried out legally and safely as long as it meets the regulations.

However, this legality does not mean that Balinese wine can be bought and sold freely, governance remains in place, starting from licensing, packaging and labeling, to distribution through cooperatives or official distributors.

"We are not giving permission to large corporations, we are facilitating local Balinese MSMEs to take part," said Governor Koster.

This policy is in line with Bali Gubernatorial Regulation Number 1 of 2020 concerning Management of Balinese Fermented and/or Distilled Drinks, this regulation is the basis for providing protection and developing local products such as arak, brem and palm wine.

Koster also said that the positive impact of this policy could be seen from the sale of Balinese wine at the arrival and departure outlets at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.