In a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern professional ambition, the Bali Chapter of the Indonesian Housekeeper’s Association (BPD IHKA) officially commenced their 2026 fiscal year with a spiritual journey to the sacred waters of Pura Mengening in Tampaksiring, Gianyar.
Held on Saturday (Jan 3, 2026), the event featured a joint prayer and melukat (purification ritual). However, this gathering was more than just a ceremonial act; it served as the spiritual foundation for the association’s most ambitious project yet—an international hospitality competition slated for mid-year.
The event, organized by the IHKA Bali Parahyangan Team, brought together members and key industry partners, including Alga, King Koil, and Duta Orchid. The objective was twofold: to express gratitude for the achievements of 2025 and to seek divine blessings for the busy year ahead.
I Gede Cahaya Adi Putra, Chairman of BPD IHKA Bali, emphasized that spiritual grounding is crucial for organizational unity.
“Before we step into our professional roles, we build our foundation here,” said the Chairman, known familiarly as Cadi. “This togetherness strengthens the synergy between IHKA members and our vendors, ensuring we move forward with a shared spirit of collaboration.”
The spiritual preparation is timely, as IHKA Bali is gearing up to host a massive industry event in early June 2026: The International Making Bed Competition, Conference & Exhibition.
While previous iterations involved five ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore), the 2026 edition aims to expand its reach. Cadi revealed that the upcoming event plans to include participants from seven countries, adding the Maldives and Sri Lanka to the roster, alongside 26 IHKA regional chapters from across Indonesia.
“By involving international participants, we are opening the door for our members to witness and adopt global standards. This perspective is vital for delivering world-class service in Bali’s hospitality sector,” Cadi explained.
The gathering at Pura Mengening also highlighted the association’s commitment to social responsibility. Led by the event committee, the group donated cash and essential cleaning equipment—symbolic of their profession—to the temple.
“We want to ensure that as our industry grows, our care for the environment and cultural sites remains a priority,” noted Ellen Atmaja, part of the event committee, who also thanked the vendors for their unwavering support.
Ida Bagus Suamba, Head of the Parahyangan Division, closed the event with a message of optimism for the island’s tourism sector. “With a solid team and spiritual backing, we hope 2026 will see the continued rise of Bali tourism and the prosperity of all our collective efforts.” (TB)
