Elevating The Craft.
Making history as the first Indonesian to secure 1st Runner Up at the Diageo World Class Global Finals, Aris Sanjaya is bringing Balinese heritage to the world stage. We speak with Aris about his journey, the Islander community he has built, and what keeps him going.
Q: “Can you tell us a bit about your journey—how did it all begin for you as a bartender?
Was there a moment when you realized this could become a career you truly wanted to pursue?“
A: My journey began in a small town in Bali called Lovina 2015, where I learned the fundamentals of bartending through flair bartending. I spent nearly three years there building my foundation before deciding to move to the south in search of greater knowledge and experience.
Everything changed when I joined the Akademi Bar by Potato Head Bali. It was there that I truly deepened my understanding of the craft learning advanced techniques, exploring the history of bartending, and discovering the art behind mixing drinks.
That experience ignited something in me. It strengthened my passion and gave me a clear sense of direction. From that moment on, I knew this was what I wanted to pursue, and I committed myself to continuously learning and improving every single day.
Q: “Being the first Indonesian to reach 1st runner-up at a world bartender competition is a huge milestone. What did that experience mean to you personally?“
A: It has been a life-changing and truly humbling experience to witness such incredible talent from all around the world. At the same time, it marked a personal milestone for me I was able to achieve my goal of introducing the Indonesian style of bartending to a global audience.
Q: “You first won at the national level before representing Indonesia on the world stage.
Can you tell us about the drink you created—what was the idea behind it, and what made it stand out to the judges?“
A: I believe that within such complex judging criteria, the drink itself is only one part of the overall evaluation. There are many other aspects to consider—technical skill, creativity, and the ability to truly impress the judges.
In my approach, the drink I created focuses on locally sourced sour ingredients and a strong commitment to sustainability. It’s not just about flavor, but about telling a story through ingredients and responsible practices.
Q: “How has Bali influenced your approach as a bartender, and how possible is it today to create innovative drinks rooted in local ingredients like arak?“
A: Bali has always been the foundation of both my life and my professional career. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by rich soil and a diverse range of ingredients that the island offers. Being proud of these resources and respecting where they come froms at the core of my bartending philosophy.
Arak, in particular, has great potential as a cocktail base.
Its character and versatility allow us to create drinks that are both simple and innovative, while still expressing a true sense of place.
Q: “What needs to happen for arak to be more widely recognized and respected—and do you believe it has the potential to stand on the global stage, like sake?“
A: I strongly believe that Arak can stand on the global stage because of its uniqueness and its value as part of our heritage. To make that happen, we need to establish clear rules and regulations—defining how Arak should be properly produced, from the sourcing of ingredients to the distillation process.
By setting these standards, we can protect its identity, ensure quality, and build trust, allowing Arak to be recognized and respected worldwide.
Q: “Through Islander Bali, what kind of impact do you hope to create for young bartenders in Bali?“
A: Islander Bali is a movement dedicated to preserving, developing, and showcasing the indigenous identity of Bali—its people, culture, and nature—through the hospitality industry.
Our vision is that the next generation should be aware of and proud of who they truly are.
Through collaboration—from small actions to bigger movements—we aim to build awareness and create sustainable practices where people can learn from each other and from nature.
Islanders is built on a deep commitment to local roots, working closely with farmers, producers, and creatives to shape every experience.
Guided by a regenerative mindset, it goes beyond sustainability by giving back to communities and the environment. With strong respect for tradition and cultural heritage, Islanders blends the past with modern expression while maintaining responsible practices that minimize impact and support a more sustainable future.
Q: “What drives you to keep doing what you do?“
A: A hope for a better world where the people of Bali rise with pride, confidently compete on the global stage, and protect the land we call home. Because we believe even the smallest actions can create meaningful change.
Aris Sanjaya
First Runner Up Diageo World Class Global Bartender 2024
Founder of Islander Bali
