At the AREBI Bali Regional Assembly held in Kuta on February 20, 2026, one decision stood out: Michael Hikma Gunawan has been unanimously reappointed to lead AREBI Bali for the upcoming term.
The reappointment reflects strong confidence from Bali’s property stakeholders in the direction of leadership established over the past few years. But more importantly, it signals continuity at a time when the industry is entering a structural shift.
Certification Is No Longer Optional
In his statement, Michael reaffirmed his focus on accelerating competency certification for property brokers and agents in Bali.
This is not a symbolic initiative.
With the enactment of Minister of Trade Regulation No. 33/2025, competency certification has become a formal requirement for brokers and agents to operate legally and professionally. The regulation sets clearer standards across licensing, commission structures, and citizenship requirements for brokers.
Under the new framework:
- Brokers must hold Indonesian citizenship
- Commission-sharing structures must follow clearer regulatory guidelines
- Agents and brokers who fail to complete certification risk administrative sanctions through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system
For many in the market, this marks a turning point. What was once considered an additional credential is now a mandatory foundation.
Raising the Industry Standard
AREBI Bali plans to intensify its socialization and education efforts regarding Regulation No. 33/2025 across its network. The objective is straightforward: create a more professional, transparent, and accountable brokerage ecosystem.
Approximately 600 brokers and agents in Bali are projected to undergo training and certification in the near term. This initiative is part of AREBI’s broader national effort to certify thousands of professionals by the end of 2026.
The long-term intention is clear. Higher competency standards are expected to elevate service quality, reduce regulatory ambiguity, and strengthen public trust in property brokerage services.
What This Means for the Market
Michael Hikma Gunawan’s continued leadership signals a consolidation phase for Bali’s brokerage industry. The market is no longer defined solely by rapid growth and transaction volume. It is moving toward structure, compliance, and measurable professionalism.
For brokers and agents, this is a period of adjustment.
For clients and investors, it represents greater clarity and accountability.
And in a market as dynamic as Bali, that shift matters.