French Tourists Buy 2 Kilograms of Kusamba Salt

Klungkung — Two French tourists bought 2 kilograms of traditional Kusamba salt after visiting a salt pond in Klungkung, Bali, on 15 September 2026, according to detikBali. The report identified the visitors as Jean Luc and Maria, and said they paid Rp50,000 per kilogram directly to farmer Nengah Kerta.

The couple came to Kusamba to see how the salt is made and to taste it at the source. Jean Luc told detikBali he had learned about Kusamba salt online while traveling in Indonesia and wanted to observe the traditional process for himself.

Kusamba salt is produced using a palungan, or trough, made from a coconut tree trunk. The process relies on solar evaporation and techniques passed down through generations, according to detikBali.

Traditional production under pressure

The visit highlighted the appeal of Kusamba’s working salt farms for travelers seeking local food experiences, but it also exposed practical limits. Jean Luc said signs directing visitors to the ponds were hard to find, although he said he preferred the area was not heavily commercialized.

Nengah Kerta said foreign visitors had come to his farm before, with some only watching, while others ask questions, taste the salt or buy it. He said communication can be difficult when travelers arrive without a guide.

Another detikBali report said some Kusamba farmers have temporarily stopped making salt using coconut-trunk troughs because demand has weakened. I Nengah Diana, chair of the Sarini Segara Kusamba Salt Farmers’ Group, said the traditional method produces less salt than the membrane method and has become less attractive commercially.

The same report said trough salt generally sells for Rp30,000 to Rp40,000 per kilogram during harvest, while membrane-produced salt sells for Rp15,000 to Rp25,000 per kilogram. It also said overall dry-season output was about 35 to 40 kilograms per day, with a standard selling price of Rp15,000 per kilogram.

Geographical indication recognition

Local government material in Klungkung and an industry classification listing say Kusamba salt has been protected as a geographical indication since January 2022. That recognition links the product to its place of origin and traditional method of production.

The salt remains closely tied to a coastal livelihood rather than a formal tourist attraction. For producers, direct sales to visitors can provide a small income boost, but the reports show that weak demand, limited signage and language barriers continue to shape how the farms receive guests.

Sources

• detikBali
• Government of Klungkung Regency