Crowned 'Best Tourism Village 2025', Pemuteran Village Becomes New Face of Indonesia's Green Tourism

Imagine the expanse of blue sea blending with the green hills of North Bali. Beyond that tranquility lies an extraordinary story of how a small village could inspire the world through harmony between humans and nature. That is Pemuteran Tourism Village, which has just won the title of Best Tourism Village (BTV) 2025 from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

This award was presented at the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2025 Ceremony & Third Annual Network Meeting held in Huzhou, China, placing Pemuteran among the world's most sustainable rural destinations.

Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, expressed her pride in this achievement.

"I am very proud and optimistic. This proves tourism villages can drive prosperity through nature and cultural preservation. May this inspire other tourism villages across Indonesia," she said.

For her, this award is not just international recognition, but also proof that community-based tourism can be a driver of equitable and sustainable economic growth. Widiyanti emphasized that Pemuteran's success must serve as an example that the future of Indonesian tourism lies in the hands of local communities preserving their own nature.

Pemuteran Village: A Symphony of Sea, Culture, and Community

Located in Buleleng Regency, North Bali, Pemuteran is not a new destination. But how this village manages tourism makes it special. Unlike the bustling South Bali areas with luxury resorts and beach parties, Pemuteran offers tranquility, spirituality, and preserved natural beauty.

Known for the world's largest artificial reef through the Bio-Rock Reef Restoration project, Pemuteran demonstrates that marine conservation can go hand-in-hand with tourism. Local residents, together with environmental communities and non-governmental organizations, successfully restored the marine ecosystem previously damaged by destructive fishing.

Today, travelers coming to Pemuteran don't just enjoy snorkeling or diving; they also learn about conservation. They participate in coral planting, join educational tours, and learn about the philosophy of "Tri Hita Karana" – the Balinese life principle emphasizing balance between humans, nature, and spirituality.

Sustainable Tourism Sustained by Its Own Community

The UN Tourism's Best Tourism Villages (BTV) program evaluates rural destinations based on three main pillars: environmental sustainability, local economic empowerment, and cultural preservation. Pemuteran excels in all three.

This village doesn't merely rely on natural beauty but also runs various community-based programs. From integrated waste management and environmental education for children to developing eco-friendly homestays directly managed by residents.

Collaboration between the community, local government, and NGOs forms the main foundation of Pemuteran's success. The "bottom-up" approach – where the community is the main actor – has proven far more effective in creating a balance between economic growth and ecosystem preservation.

Pemuteran and the Global Tourism Village Trend

Pemuteran's success also aligns with the global trend where young travelers now seek authentic experiences over merely popular destinations. They want direct interaction with local culture, tasting authentic cuisine, participating in traditional ceremonies, or even staying in residents' homes.

Pemuteran answers that need while preserving local values. For many international travelers, this village is a "hidden gem" that teaches that travel isn't just about changing locations, but also growing in awareness of the importance of protecting the earth.

With the title of Best Tourism Village 2025, Pemuteran is not only Bali's pride but also a symbol of Indonesian tourism shifting towards a greener, more inclusive future rooted in local wisdom.