Bali Governor Wayan Koster made a strategic move during his working visit to the United Kingdom by targeting the strengthening of human resources and technology integration as the new economic engine for the Island of the Gods. On the sidelines of his participation in the London Climate Action Week 2026, Koster visited two global innovation hubs, namely Oxford University and Google's headquarters in London.
During his visit to Oxford University, Koster held discussions with academics and Indonesian students, including Balinese youth pursuing advanced studies. He emphasized that Bali's future development must not rely solely on the tourism sector. The younger generation, with international networks and mastery of science, is seen as a crucial asset to transform Bali into a region with a global competitive advantage.
Koster stressed that although Bali is moving towards a knowledge- and technology-based economy, cultural identity will remain the main core of every policy. For him, technology is a supporting instrument to strengthen culture and improve public service efficiency, not the other way around.
Efforts to embrace innovation continued as Koster visited Google's headquarters. Accompanied by the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, Desra Percaya, he discussed with artificial intelligence researcher Adhiguna Kuncoro about the potential of utilizing digital technology. The discussion included the development of data centers designed to optimize the management of the tourism sector, public services, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
This series of visits marks a paradigm shift in regional diplomacy, which is now more aggressive in building collaboration with world research institutions and technology companies. This step is expected to accelerate the realization of a sustainable Bali development vision, based on digital innovation, while remaining firmly grounded in local wisdom.
