DENPASAR, Bali – A Rp100 trillion Bali casino proposal has been firmly rejected by Governor Wayan Koster, who declared the island’s future lies in its culture and heritage, not in gambling.

“Even if the offer is Rp100 trillion, once we erode Bali’s cultural foundation and abandon culture as the basis of tourism, we could lose far more than Rp100 trillion and threaten the island’s future,” Koster said at Taman Budaya Bali on Friday (Aug. 15), during a briefing on the Foreign Tourist Levy Regulation.

He argued that a casino has no place in Bali’s image, which has been celebrated worldwide through temples, sacred dances, and spiritual rituals such as melukat. “Do not be easily tempted. Bali must stand firm on culture, because there is no competition when it comes to culture,” he added.

Koster also likened the casino proposal to earlier plans for a racing circuit in Bali, which he dismissed as unrealistic due to the island’s limited land. “Even for a circuit, Bali does not have the space. So don’t force something that would only damage our identity,” he said.

Rather than copying destinations that rely on casinos, Koster emphasized that Bali’s true strength lies in its tropical landscape and unique cultural heritage. These, he noted, are what draw travelers from across the globe seeking authenticity, not modern gambling halls.

By rejecting the billion-dollar promise, Bali reaffirms its choice to guard identity over profit. The question remains: what do visitors really seek in Bali—modern entertainment like casinos, or the timeless allure of its culture and nature?