DENPASAR, BALINEWS.ID – ICON Bali has brought international recognition to Indonesia after winning the World Silver Winneraward in the Retail category at the prestigious FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2026, held at the historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria, on June 11, 2026.
The Sanur-based shopping destination was the only Indonesian retail development selected to represent the country at what is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious real estate awards. ICON Bali earned its place on the global stage after being named Gold Winner in the Retail category at the FIABCI Indonesia REI Excellence Awards 2025.
The FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards recognize the finest property developments from around the world. Each entry is a national winner evaluated across multiple criteria, including development concept, architectural design, construction quality, innovation, technology implementation, financial management, sustainability, and social impact.
President Director of PT Grha Hatten Duasatu, Heru Nasution, said the award demonstrates that Bali’s cultural identity is appreciated on the international stage.
“For us, this award is more than just recognition for a property development. It is an appreciation of the idea that Bali’s local values, culture, and identity can earn global recognition,” Heru said during the award presentation ceremony at ICON Bali on Friday (July 24).
According to Heru, the mall was envisioned from the very beginning as an architectural icon that reflects the unique character of the Island of the Gods. Every aspect of the development incorporates elements inspired by Balinese culture and nature.
The cascading balconies, for example, are inspired by Bali’s iconic rice terraces, while the front roof resembles a banana leaf. The waterfall canopy draws inspiration from the frangipani (jepun) flower, and the building’s façade mimics the texture of salak fruit, one of Bali’s signature agricultural products.
Inside, ICON Bali embraces the concept of “bringing the outside inside,” seamlessly integrating nature into the shopping experience through lush greenery, waterfalls, ponds, a floating market, and unobstructed ocean views connected directly to Sanur Beach.
“We also encourage every tenant to incorporate Balinese elements so visitors can truly experience the island’s identity throughout the mall,” Heru added.
Located in the heart of Sanur’s tourism district, ICON Bali offers approximately 32,000 square meters of leasable space and houses more than 200 tenants. The development combines retail, dining, entertainment, cultural experiences, and beachfront recreation within a single integrated destination.
One of its signature attractions is the Beach Floor, which provides direct access to the beach and serves as the mall’s busiest entrance. The area also dedicates significant space to local brands as part of the company’s commitment to supporting Bali’s regional economy.
ICON Bali is also home to a Floating Market, providing a platform for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products to both domestic and international visitors.
Heru revealed that the mall attracts between 25,000 and 30,000 visitors on weekdays, while weekend and holiday traffic exceeds 40,000 visitors per day.
Beyond tourism and retail, the mall has generated significant economic benefits. More than 3,000 people are currently employed within the complex, excluding jobs created in supporting sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that have flourished around Sanur.
According to Heru, the success of a shopping destination should not be measured solely by the scale of its architecture, but also by the economic opportunities it creates for the surrounding community.
He also acknowledged the support of the Bali Provincial Government and the Denpasar City Government, particularly through the provision of parking facilities, shuttle services, and improved pedestrian infrastructure that have made Sanur more accessible while reducing traffic congestion.
“Strong collaboration between the government and the private sector has made Sanur increasingly attractive to visitors. Hotel occupancy rates continue to rise,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Commissioner of PT Grha Hatten Duasatu, Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa, said the international recognition proves that Indonesian developments are capable of competing alongside world-class projects.
“This achievement belongs not only to ICON Bali. We proudly dedicate this award to the Bali Provincial Government, the Denpasar City Government, and the people of Bali, whose continuous support has been instrumental in ICON Bali’s journey toward international recognition,” he said.
Rai Budarsa added that tenant occupancy at ICON Bali has now reached 100 percent, with an expanding waiting list of prospective tenants. Demand from both national and international brands continues to grow, although limited retail space currently prevents management from accommodating every request.
He noted that the company will continue expanding its portfolio, including preparations for future ICON developments.
Shanty: “ICON Bali Feels Like My Second Home”
Indonesian singer and actress Shanty, who performed at the ICON Beach Bazaar, shared her personal connection with the award-winning mall, describing it as her family’s favorite destination in Bali.
Speaking ahead of her performance at the beachfront venue, Shanty said she was especially excited to celebrate ICON Bali’s international achievement.
“I’m so excited because, besides being recognized as one of the world’s best shopping malls, ICON Bali has also become part of my children’s teenage years. Honestly, this is their favorite mall because they go to school in Sanur. They hang out here almost every day, and I practically know the mall’s blueprint by heart,” she said.
Although she lives in Kerobokan, Shanty admitted she frequently visits ICON Bali for shopping, dining, and meeting fellow parents from her children’s school.
“It’s practically my second home. Everything is here from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and all our favorite brands. It’s truly an all-in-one destination for families,” she added.
Shanty also took the opportunity to promote her latest film, Takkan Kubiarkan Kau Menangis, in which she stars as the lead actress.
“Please support the film. It’s about a mother who doesn’t believe in her child’s dream of becoming a musician because she’s afraid her child will fail. Ironically, the mother herself is a singer but that’s the beauty of acting,” she stated. (*)
