UBUD, BALI — What happens when the people shaping the hospitality workforce sit down with the government shaping employment policies? Meaningful conversations, clearer perspectives, and stronger connections.

That was the spirit behind Ubud Hotels Association (UHA) HR Gathering #2, held on August 22nd, 2026, at Mediteranian Bali, Ubud, under the theme “HR Meets Government.” Bringing together around 70 HR professionals representing 70 UHA member hotels, the gathering created a valuable platform for hospitality leaders to connect directly with government representatives, exchange knowledge, and stay informed about the latest employment regulations and policies affecting Bali’s hotel industry.

More than simply another HR gathering, the event reflected UHA’s continued commitment to building a stronger bridge between Bali’s hospitality industry, HR professionals, and government stakeholders.

Bringing HR and Government to the Same Table

For hotels, Human Resources is at the heart of people, operations, compliance, and workplace culture. At the same time, changing regulations and government policies can have a significant impact on how hospitality businesses manage their workforce.

Recognizing the importance of keeping HR professionals informed, UHA chose “HR Meets Government” as the theme for its second HR Gathering of 2026.

The gathering provided an opportunity for HR professionals to hear directly from government representatives about issues that matter in their day-to-day work — from employment regulations and industrial relations to labor supervision, licensing, employee protection, and welfare.

Rather than relying solely on information passed through various channels, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the relevant institutions, creating a more open space for questions, discussion, and knowledge exchange.
 

70 HR Professionals, One Shared Commitment

The gathering brought together approximately 70 HR professionals from 70 UHA member hotels, demonstrating the strong interest and commitment of the hospitality community in staying informed and connected.

Their participation also highlighted the increasingly important role of HR in navigating the challenges facing the hospitality industry.

For UHA, creating a forum where HR professionals can exchange experiences and communicate directly with policymakers is part of a larger effort to strengthen the industry from within.

The event was also attended by Gede Karilo, Chairman of PHRI Gianyar, whose presence reflected the importance of collaboration between hospitality associations and government stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Putu Surya, Chairman of UHA, enthusiastically supported and accompanied the program throughout the gathering, reinforcing UHA’s commitment to creating meaningful initiatives for its members.

“HR Is a Very Crucial Position”

One of the key voices during the gathering was Dewi Aprilianti, one of the founders of Ubud HR. She explained that the “HR Meets Government” theme was chosen because HR professionals need to understand not only their organizations and people, but also the regulatory environment in which the hospitality industry operates.

“HR is a very crucial position within a company. Therefore, it is important for us to receive the latest information directly from the government, particularly regarding policies related to employment and company operations,” said Dewi Aprilianti.

Her message underlined an important reality for hospitality businesses: strong HR practices require strong knowledge of the regulations that govern the workplace.

A Decade of Ubud HR: From 2016 to Today

The gathering also became an opportunity to revisit the roots of the Ubud HR community.

Established in 2016 by Dewi Aprilianti, Herman, and Dewi Rusmayanti, Ubud HR has continued to grow and remain active over the years, consistently developing programs designed to provide knowledge, connections, and practical value to its members.

“Let’s take a little flashback. We established Ubud HR in 2016 together with Mr. Herman and Ms. Dewi Rusmayanti. It is still active today, and every year we continue to organize programs that are, of course, beneficial to our members,” Dewi added.

Nearly a decade after its establishment, the continued presence of Ubud HR reflects the importance of professional communities in supporting the growth of HR practitioners and the wider hospitality industry.

Government Representatives Share Key Insights

To bring the “HR Meets Government” theme to life, UHA invited representatives from several government institutions to share their expertise and provide direct insights to participants.

The speakers included:

• Meirita, S.IP., M.Si. — Head of Industrial Relations Development and Labor Supervision Division, Bali Provincial Office of Manpower and Energy & Mineral Resources.
• Ngurah Subagia — Representative of the Bali Provincial PTSP (One-Stop Integrated Services).
• Anak Agung Ngurah Gede Ardhiyan Bayu Septa — Representative of BPJS Employment Gianyar.

Their participation provided HR professionals with a closer look at current developments concerning employment policies, industrial relations, labor supervision, licensing services, and employee protection and welfare.

For hospitality businesses operating in Bali, these topics are not merely administrative matters. They directly influence how hotels recruit, manage, protect, and develop their people.

Learning, Connecting, and Building Stronger Teams

But HR Gathering #2 was not all about policies and regulations.

After the knowledge-sharing sessions, participants were invited to step away from their usual professional routines and take part in an interactive team-building session led by Psychologist Ayun.

Designed around communication, connection, and collaboration, the activities encouraged participants to interact in a different setting while strengthening relationships and building a stronger sense of teamwork.

The session added an important human element to the gathering — because behind every HR policy, workplace strategy, and organizational structure are people who need to communicate, collaborate, and grow together.

More Than an HR Event

The “HR Meets Government” gathering represents a broader vision for UHA.

As one of Ubud’s key hospitality industry associations, UHA continues to create opportunities for its members to learn, connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Bringing HR professionals and government representatives into the same room creates an important channel for dialogue. It allows industry professionals to better understand government policies while also creating opportunities for government stakeholders to hear directly from those working on the front lines of the hospitality industry.

In an industry where people are one of the greatest assets, strengthening the relationship between HR, hospitality businesses, and government is essential for creating a more professional, compliant, healthy, and sustainable workplace.

Supported by The Medical

The success of UHA HR Gathering #2 “HR Meets Government” was also supported by The Medical, whose involvement reflects its commitment to supporting positive initiatives within Bali’s hospitality community.

With a focus on contributing to a healthy, productive, and sustainable working environment, The Medical’s support added value to the gathering and helped create an even stronger space for professional networking and collaboration among HR practitioners in Ubud.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Hospitality Community

HR Gathering #2 may have come to an end, but the conversations and connections it created are only part of a much bigger journey.

Through initiatives such as this, Ubud Hotels Association continues to strengthen its role as a platform for collaboration within Ubud’s hospitality industry — connecting professionals, encouraging knowledge sharing, and creating meaningful dialogue between the industry and government.

From understanding employment regulations to strengthening professional relationships, the message from “HR Meets Government” is clear: a stronger hospitality industry begins with stronger people, stronger communication, and stronger collaboration.

And as Ubud’s hospitality community continues to evolve, UHA remains committed to bringing its members together — not only to navigate today’s challenges, but to shape a better and more sustainable future for Bali’s hospitality industry.