DENPASAR, BALI – March 6, 2025 — A significant milestone for Bali’s tourism industry was marked today with the official inauguration of the Bali Villa Rental and Management Association (BVRMA), a coalition of licensed villa rental companies dedicated to restoring order and sustainability to Bali’s booming vacation rental market.
The formal inauguration was led by Deputy Governor of Bali, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, on behalf of the Provincial Government of Bali. During the ceremony, I Kadek Adnyana, S.S., M.M. was officially appointed as the Chairman of BVRMA, backed by an experienced leadership team.
While BVRMA was legally established in August 2024 under Notarial Deed No. 29/28 August 2024 and registered with Business ID 1211240089749, the inauguration signifies the official launch of its activities and mission.
A Response to the Chaos in Bali’s Villa Rental Market
The formation of BVRMA stems from growing concerns over unregulated and illegal villa operations in Bali, many of which are reportedly owned or controlled by foreign nationals without proper licenses.
Currently, BVRMA represents approximately 70 licensed villa rental companies, managing over 1,000 villas across the island. Its members consist of both local and foreign-owned legal entities (PMA), committed to professional standards and ethical business practices.
“These 70 companies chose to unite in response to the rampant illegal villa operations, especially those owned by foreigners,” said Kadek Adnyana, newly appointed Chairman of BVRMA and also Head of Youth and Cadre Development at Paiketan Krama Bali.
“We must stay strong and united in Bali. The people and culture of Bali should be the pillars that support tourism — not be overshadowed by unlicensed, unqualified outsiders who operate businesses here illegally.”
Adnyana revealed that Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud are the most affected areas, where the number of tourists often does not align with the occupancy rates of licensed accommodations.
“We’ve done field surveys and found entire communities of illegal villas operating under the radar,” he added.
BVRMA to Support Government Crackdown on Illegal Villas
Armed with data and industry support, BVRMA is preparing to work alongside the Bali provincial government to support the creation of regional regulations targeting illegal villa businesses and nominee ownership schemes — where foreign nationals use local “borrowed names” to bypass land and business ownership restrictions.
Deputy Governor Giri Prasta welcomed BVRMA’s support, affirming that the government plans to implement a regional regulation (Perda) on nominee arrangements, aiming to curb the ease with which foreigners establish unauthorized businesses.
“We need firm laws like the nominee regulation. Illegal villas must be dealt with,” said Giri Prasta.
“Foreign investors must comply with Bali’s laws, customs, and cultural values. We must be the ones setting the rules — not the other way around.”
Broad Support from Bali’s Tourism Stakeholders
The inauguration was attended by key figures in Bali’s tourism and business sectors, including:
- Arya Weda Karna and Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik, Members of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) from Bali
- Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of Bali Tourism Office
- Prof. Dr. Ir. Tjok. Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, M.Si, Chairman of PHRI Bali
- Representatives from GIPI Bali, ASITA, IHGMA, NCPI, Bali Villas Association, Bali Hotel Association, KADIN, HIPMI, IWAPI, and many others
Following the inauguration, a Business Talk Show was held under the theme:
“Unity in Diversity for Sustainable Bali,” featuring keynote speakers Prof. Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati and Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik.
Looking Ahead
BVRMA’s formation marks a new chapter for Bali’s vacation rental industry, promising greater regulation, transparency, and alignment with Bali’s cultural and environmental values. With strong backing from both the government and industry leaders, the association is set to become a key player in shaping the future of sustainable tourism on the island.
