Bali Tourist Villages Gain Public Support for Smoke-Free Zones, Study Finds
Efforts to create smoke-free tourist villages in Bali are receiving strong public backing, according to a 2026 study conducted by researchers from Universitas Bali Internasional, LSPR Jakarta, and Tobacco Control Support Center Jakarta. The research found that most residents and tourism stakeholders support smoke-free policies in Bali’s tourism villages, although many believe enforcement systems and public education remain weak.
The study, titled Community Knowledge and Managers' Perspectives Regarding the Implementation of Smoke-Free Areas in Tourist Village Areas, examined public understanding and management perspectives in two of Bali’s independent-category tourism villages: Penglipuran Village and Mas Village. The findings are considered important as Bali continues strengthening sustainable tourism policies following the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.
Researchers Agnes Ayu Biomi, Made Adhyatma Prawira Natha Kusuma, and Anastasia Maria Sri Redjeki reported that smoke-free tourism areas are increasingly viewed as essential for environmental protection, public health, and Bali’s long-term tourism competitiveness.
Bali’s Tourism Industry Faces Growing Pressure for Healthier Destinations
Bali remains one of Indonesia’s most visited tourism destinations, attracting millions of domestic and international travelers annually. At the same time, global tourism trends are increasingly shifting toward sustainable, environmentally friendly, and health-conscious destinations.
The researchers noted that cigarette smoke and cigarette waste can damage environmental quality and reduce tourist comfort. Smoke pollution also threatens public health, especially for passive smokers, including children, workers, and visitors in crowded public tourism spaces.
The Bali Provincial Government already regulates smoke-free areas through Bali Regional Regulation No. 10 of 2011, which covers public places and tourist attractions. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has also accelerated tourism village development programs across the country. According to the study, Indonesia currently has more than 4,600 tourism villages, including 238 located in Bali Province.
The research argues that preserving clean air is closely connected to Bali’s image as a cultural and ecological tourism destination. Smoke-free environments are also seen as supporting traditional Balinese ceremonies and cultural activities that value environmental purity.
Study Combined Surveys and In-Depth Interviews
The researchers used a cross-sectional mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews.
A total of 146 respondents participated in the study across the two tourism villages. Researchers distributed questionnaires to measure public knowledge, attitudes, smoking behavior, and support for smoke-free regulations. They also conducted in-depth interviews with village leaders, tourism managers, and local stakeholders.
Most respondents were adults with an average age of 33 years. Women represented slightly more participants than men, and most respondents had at least a high school education. Nearly half of participants were employed.
The study focused on how communities understand smoke-free regulations, how effectively policies are implemented, and what barriers still prevent successful enforcement.
Most Residents Support Smoke-Free Tourist Villages
One of the strongest findings from the research was the high level of public support for smoke-free tourism policies.
Key findings from the study include:
- 81.51% of respondents said they knew about smoke-free area regulations.
- 97.26% supported the implementation of smoke-free areas.
- 96.58% supported smoke-free rules specifically in tourist attractions.
- 88.36% said they would actively support the regulation.
- Most supporters stated that smoke-free areas are “good for health.”
The study also found that public information campaigns have already reached many residents. Around 66.44% of respondents said they had received socialization or educational outreach from health workers.
However, awareness did not always translate into understanding. Although many respondents recognized the existence of smoke-free regulations, 89.04% admitted they still did not fully understand the rules or implementation details.
Researchers found that information about smoke-free policies was most commonly received through stickers, posters, and banners placed in public areas.
Weak Enforcement Remains a Major Challenge
Despite strong public support, many respondents said the smoke-free policy has not yet been implemented effectively.
About 59.59% of participants believed enforcement remains poor or insufficient. The main reasons identified included:
- Weak implementation support systems
- Lack of public socialization and education
- Unclear enforcement responsibilities
- Weak legal enforcement mechanisms
The researchers concluded that regulations alone are not enough. Successful smoke-free tourism policies require stronger coordination between local governments, tourism managers, village authorities, and health institutions.
The study also highlighted the importance of consistent public education campaigns to ensure residents and tourists clearly understand where smoking is prohibited and why the policy matters.
Smoking Rates in Tourist Villages Were Relatively Low
The survey found relatively low smoking activity among respondents.
According to the data:
- 84.83% said they did not smoke.
- 86.30% reported not smoking during the previous six months.
- Among smokers, 80% had attempted to quit smoking.
- 65.75% said no family members in their household smoked.
Among active smokers, the average cigarette consumption was 18 cigarettes per day. The average age at which smoking began was 19 years old.
Researchers said these findings suggest that smoke-free tourism initiatives may be easier to strengthen in communities where smoking prevalence is already relatively limited.
Healthier Tourism Could Strengthen Bali’s Global Reputation
The study concludes that smoke-free tourism villages can help Bali strengthen its international reputation as a clean, healthy, and sustainable destination.
The researchers emphasized that cleaner tourism environments benefit both visitors and local residents by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and environmental pollution. They also argued that smoke-free policies align with global sustainable tourism standards increasingly demanded by travelers.
According to the authors, stronger enforcement systems and broader public education campaigns are still needed to ensure smoke-free regulations function effectively in tourism areas.
In an ethical paraphrase of the study’s findings, the researchers from Universitas Bali Internasional and collaborating institutions stated that smoke-free tourism villages are not only public health initiatives but also part of preserving Bali’s environmental sustainability and cultural identity.
Author Profiles
Agnes Ayu Biomi
Agnes Ayu Biomi is a public health researcher affiliated with Universitas Bali Internasional. Her research focuses on community health, environmental health promotion, and smoke-free policy implementation.
Made Adhyatma Prawira Natha Kusuma
Made Adhyatma Prawira Natha Kusuma is affiliated with LSPR Jakarta and studies tourism communication, public policy, and sustainable tourism development.
Anastasia Maria Sri Redjeki
Anastasia Maria Sri Redjeki is associated with Tobacco Control Support Center Jakarta and specializes in tobacco control advocacy and public health policy.
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