DENPASAR, balitourismnow.com – Balinese culture and traditions have always been an integral part of every event organized by the Bali Regional Board of the Indonesian Housekeepers Association (BPD IHKA Bali).
This distinctive touch was once again showcased during the International Housekeeper’s Conference, Exhibition & Bed Making Competition 2026, held at Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Guests were welcomed with the vibrant sounds of the traditional Bleganjur gamelan ensemble as they entered the venue. Along the entrance, various hospitality industry products, particularly those related to housekeeping, were proudly displayed.
As the cultural procession made its way into the conference hall, nearly 500 participants rose to their feet, creating an inspiring atmosphere for one of the largest housekeeping events in the region, bringing together hospitality professionals, tourism industry stakeholders, and tourism schools from Bali, across Indonesia, and abroad.
The International Housekeeper’s Conference featured prominent speakers from across Southeast Asia, including Ms. Adelaide Susan Carag (Executive Housekeeper Association of the Philippines), Mr. Tranduc (Vice President, Vietnam Executive Housekeepers Association), Dr. Ritalo (Honorary Secretary, Malaysia Association of Housekeepers), Mr. Benjapon Hiran (Head of Cooperation and Partnerships, Executive Housekeepers Association Thailand), Mr. I Ketut Gede Sudarsana (Chairman of BPC IHKA Seminyak), as well as renowned motivational speaker James Gwee as the guest speaker.
Addressing the audience, James Gwee emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, “From Tradition to Transformation: Culture of Housekeeping Leadership in the Age of AI.” He encouraged housekeeping professionals to prepare for the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the hospitality industry, particularly in housekeeping operations.
“Bali is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, and its hospitality industry has a longer history than many other tourism centers in Indonesia. Therefore, Bali should be among the first to embrace AI. The Island of the Gods has long been recognized internationally and is well-positioned to lead this transformation,” said Gwee.
According to him, AI can be effectively integrated with Bali’s unique local wisdom and cultural values. Such a combination would enhance operational efficiency while preserving the authentic hospitality that Bali is known for.
“In several countries, AI is already being utilized in hotel operations, including housekeeping. Singapore, for example, has implemented AI-driven solutions in this field, and many hotels worldwide are following the same path. Bali should begin exploring these opportunities as well,” he explained.
Gwee further highlighted that the conference served as an important platform to discuss how AI and automation can be adopted within housekeeping operations, particularly in Bali’s tourism sector.
“AI can significantly improve efficiency. Tasks that once required hours to complete can now be accomplished in just minutes. The level of operational efficiency that can be achieved is remarkable,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Chairman of BPD IHKA Bali, I Gede Cahaya Adi Putra, explained that one of the conference’s primary objectives was to examine the relevance of AI in an industry fundamentally built on human interaction and service excellence.
“This year, we adopted the theme From Tradition to Transformation. AI is advancing rapidly, but the question remains: Is it suitable for Bali? Hospitality in Bali is deeply personal and relies on genuine human interaction. Can robots truly replace that? To explore this topic, we invited representatives from five countries to share their perspectives,” he said.
Affectionately known as Cadi, he acknowledged that some automation technologies have already been introduced into housekeeping operations, including autonomous floor-cleaning and scrubbing machines. However, he stressed that human involvement remains indispensable.
“Technology can assist with certain operational tasks, but human oversight is still essential for scheduling, quality control, and service management. Robots alone cannot replace the human role in maintaining hospitality standards,” he emphasized.
Cadi compared the situation to Japan, where some hospitality establishments have begun implementing AI-based systems across guest services, from reception to check-in processes. However, he believes Bali’s hospitality model requires a more personal approach.
“In Japan, I have seen hotels that utilize AI throughout the entire guest journey. But Bali is different. Tourists come here expecting genuine human interaction. Hospitality workers must engage directly with guests. Visitors who choose Bali seek heartfelt service and memorable experiences, not merely efficient transactions,” he explained.
The Chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, widely known as Cok Ace, expressed his strong appreciation for the event.
“I highly appreciate and support this initiative. As global competition continues to intensify, housekeeping remains one of the most critical departments in shaping the guest experience. Whether in hotels or restaurants, housekeeping plays a fundamental role in ensuring visitor satisfaction,” he stated.
Cok Ace also expressed hope that the conference would continue enhancing the competencies of IHKA members and contribute to the advancement of Bali’s tourism industry.
“I commend this organization for its continuous efforts to improve professional skills, foster healthy competition, and strengthen certification standards among its members. I hope the housekeeping profession will continue to grow stronger and play an increasingly important role in building a world-class tourism industry in Bali,” he added.
The excitement reached another level when the Bed Making Competition officially began. The hall quickly filled with cheers, applause, and enthusiastic support from spectators, colleagues, and school representatives.
Each time a participant successfully completed a bed cover installation, folded a perfect hospital corner, or finished a decorative arrangement, the audience responded with louder cheers, energizing the competitors. Despite the pressure, participants remained focused and agile, expertly flipping mattresses, smoothing linens, and ensuring every bed corner met industry standards.
The competition featured representatives from 34 hotels across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, while the tourism school category welcomed participants from 15 hospitality institutions, including schools from outside Bali and the Philippines. Overall attendance was estimated at around 500 participants and visitors.
One of the most compelling aspects of the competition was witnessing participants from Bali compete alongside their international counterparts, each demonstrating exceptional skill and professionalism. The contest proved highly competitive, intense, creative, and entertaining.
“Participants are not only judged on speed but also on their ability to combine artistry, precision, and international hospitality standards within a very limited timeframe,” explained Roma Pujawan, Head of Public Relations for BPD IHKA Bali.
Another highlight of the event was the exhibition area, which showcased a wide range of hotel equipment, supplies, and innovative housekeeping solutions. Dozens of exhibition booths filled the venue, creating an engaging and interactive environment for participants and visitors alike. Additional vendor booths were also set up outside the conference hall.
“It has become our tradition that every major event organized by IHKA provides opportunities for industry vendors to introduce their latest products and innovations,” concluded Roma Pujawan.
The International Housekeeper’s Conference, Exhibition & Bed Making Competition 2026 once again demonstrated Bali’s commitment to excellence in hospitality, while fostering international collaboration, professional development, and innovation within the housekeeping industry. [buda]