Gender equality is often treated as a policy statement — at Nirjhara, it’s implemented through clear, measurable actions that shape the structure of the workplace and the opportunities available to women.

Currently, around 40% of Nirjhara’s workforce is female, a relatively high figure for the hospitality sector in Indonesia, especially in rural areas. These women aren’t limited to support roles — two of the three highest-paid employees in the company are Indonesian women, demonstrating a genuine commitment to equal pay and career advancement.

Pay equity is enforced across all roles, and the hotel maintains a gender equality policy that staff are made aware of from the outset. 

Nirjhara’s support for women extends to its maternity policies. New mothers are offered paid maternity leave and are welcomed back to their roles afterward — a practice not guaranteed in Indonesia. A one-time bonus is also provided to employees who become mothers, recognising the financial impact of early childcare.

Beyond employment practices, Nirjhara creates a work environment where personal dignity and health are supported. All employees — regardless of gender — have access to clean locker rooms, showers, hygiene products, and  balanced meals. The hotel also partners with a local clinic that provides on-site healthcare services, giving women and men equal access to basic medical support without needing to travel.

While gender equity begins in the workplace, Nirjhara extends its influence into the community. Through its consistent support of local schools and internship programs, the hotel encourages young women to pursue careers in hospitality and offers structured opportunities for training and employment.

In an industry where gender gaps persist — particularly in rural Southeast Asia — Nirjhara demonstrates that equity can be embedded into operations without sacrificing performance or profitability. 

Located in rural Bali, Nirjhara is one of the very few hotels in the region with its own water filtration and purification system. 

Groundwater drawn on-site is filtered and purified, then bottled in reusable glass containers, eliminating the need for plastic. This system also makes tap water drinkable throughout the resort, an uncommon and impactful achievement in Indonesia’s hospitality landscape.

Water quality is monitored through regular testing by independent laboratories, ensuring safety and transparency for both guests and staff. This commitment improves not just guest experience, but reduces reliance on external bottled water suppliers, cutting down transportation emissions and plastic waste.

Wastewater is also managed responsibly. Bio-septic tanks treat wastewater before it is filtered and safely returned to the nearby river — helping protect the local ecosystem and preserve water quality for the surrounding community.

To minimise water usage, all taps, showers, and toilets use low-flow, water-saving fixtures. This design decision significantly reduces overall consumption, without compromising comfort.

Nirjhara also operates an on-site composting system, which helps manage food waste responsibly and reduces strain on local landfill and waste infrastructure. Water-conscious landscaping and a 500m² on-site organic garden further reduce dependency on external irrigation.

These integrated systems show how thoughtful design and sustainable infrastructure can reduce a hotel’s water footprint while improving local environmental outcomes.

In the village of Belalang, Bali, Nirjhara has become a driver of local economic development and environmental responsibility.

Since opening in January 2020, Nirjhara has made a deliberate choice to centre its operations around local employment and community investment. 

Today, 40% of its workforce comes directly from the village, making it the largest employer in Belalang. Local employees are trained, offered clear career paths, and supported through benefits like daily nutritious meals, access to healthcare via a local clinic partnership, and fair wages above the provincial minimum. With service charge bonuses, many staff members earn double the base salary.

Even during the pandemic — before the hotel saw a profitable quarter — Nirjhara committed over US $100,000 to the community. These funds supported school renovations, Balinese religious and cultural events, road construction, public lighting, and emergency food aid for 100 families.

The resort actively partners with local entrepreneurs: it sources food from nearby farms, works with a local transportation provider, and contracts surf and horse riding instructors from the area. It also invested US $10,000 into a local micro-credit facility, enabling small-scale entrepreneurs to access low-interest loans in a region where credit is often prohibitively expensive.

Combining local hiring, skills development, infrastructure investment, and sustainable practices — creates a ripple effect throughout the community. Employees gain financial stability and job security, while the surrounding area benefits from improved infrastructure and increased local business opportunities.