Bert Vierstra

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OK. Now what can be done to minmize the loss of identity and authenticity of Bali... or should expats stay out of this, because they are part of the problem, and should people like Mr Diarta handle the problem?

Reposted from http://www.thejakartapost.com :

I Ketut Surya Diarta, Manoa, United States.

Almost all tourists whom I met in Hawaii knew or at least had heard about Bali. Most of them wanted to go to Bali because they knew Bali as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Interestingly, the tourists who had come to Bali, came back again, and again. They said that Bali was truly paradise. In fact, they wanted to die in Bali, in Paradise.

Natural beauty, the hospitality of the people, the traditional ceremonies, arts, music and dances, the sun, sea and surf, the mountains and paddy fields and many more, are some of the reasons they love Bali. The Bali Tourism Authority reported average annual tourist arrivals of more than 1.35 million over the last three years.

Unlike Hawaii, where the native people are not involved or do not have access to the tourism industry, in Bali 80 percent of the tourism industry is managed by the local people by what we call community-based tourism. Although tourism contributed 63.90 percent of Bali's total income (Gross Regional Domestic Product) last year, Bali is facing a major threat mainly from the sociocultural impacts of tourism. The impacts of tourism described in this article relate to its effect on the Balinese people and Balinese culture such as standardization, the loss of authenticity and staged authenticity, and adaptation to the demands of tourists.

Balinese tourism, unlike Hawaii for example, is built based on cultural capital, meaning we use culture as the main asset to develop our tourism industry. On one hand, this concept is great as a means to preserve our culture and to reap economic gains from the tourism industry.

On the other hand, as an open society Balinese people are affected by other cultures brought in by the tourists. The impact arises when tourism brings about changes in the value system and behavior that threatens the indigenous values and culture.

Bali is known as paradise island not because you can do anything there (for example enjoy illicit sex, drugs, or the casino) but because of its religious activities held almost every day. Bali has thousands of temples and thousands of ceremonies all year round. Naturally it is supported by exotic tourist spots such as white sand beach, lakes, mountains and natural beauty. Tourism can affect these rituals by placing a "price tag" on them.

The economic gains from tourism sometimes influence the local people, who make their rituals a commodity. At a glance, there is nothing wrong with this, but in the long term the Balinese people will lose their identity as Balinese. Religious rituals, ethnic rites and traditional arts will be changed based on tourists' expectations, not based on the standards of the ritual itself. This will change our society into a new society with new values. If this is not controlled I believe that the last paradise will soon become the lost paradise.

As a tourist destination, what we can see in Bali nowadays is that there are many changes in order to satisfy tourists' wishes. Not only food and drink must be made to meet the tourists' desire for the new and unfamiliar, but also our accommodation, landscape and our arts festival. In short, we have to fulfill the tourists' desires to satisfy them. As a native of Bali I feel not all tourists come to Bali because of our high quality service standards, but they want to see the uniqueness of Bali, Bali as it is, not the Bali that the tourists want it to be. I think if we permit this to continue Bali will be the "paradise remade", as Elizabeth Buck observed in her book Paradise Remade: The Politics of Culture and History in Hawaii.

The next impact is on the cultural identity and authenticity. Balinese people sometimes adapt their culture (and their life style and traditional institutions) to conform to tourist needs. Actually our native culture has no "business" with tourism.

What does it mean? It is true that our culture is open, that's why we welcome tourists. But what we will increasingly see in Bali is a "shadow" of paradise. The native culture of the Balinese people is Hindu, so if you want to see native Bali don't go to the most popular tourist spots like Kuta Beach (almost the same as Waikiki or Miami Beach), or resort areas like Nusa Dua and Jimbaran, but go to the traditional sites like Trunyan, Tenganan, Ubud, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar or Kamasan.

If we always strive to satisfy what tourists need, I believe will never be able to satisfy them, because as human beings we always need something new. One of my colleagues at Udayana University in Bali who teaches the sociology of tourism used the term the "Balinese Tourism Paradox". He said If we let this kind of development continue Bali will kill itself.

If we want to be the most popular and most attractive tourism destination, we don't have to be what the tourists want us to be. Making the culture a commodity, standardization, loss of identity and authenticity are examples of the sociocultural impacts of tourism on Bali. If we don't protect ourselves it will kill our native culture.

The writer, who is studying at the Tourism Sociology Department of the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, United States, is a lecturer of socioeconomics at Udayana University, Denpasar
 

chris vinson

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Mr Diarta's essay was most interesting, and of great relevance. Tourism is a significant component part of Development in Indonesia in general, and Bali in particular. With all that Bali has to offer, this may be considered to be inevitable.

Development, by its very nature brings change, but it is not the only medium of change. In a world of a global economy, satellite communications, television, movies etc, few places can remain isolated. However, if development, inlcuding tourism, is defined as improving the living standards of countries and peoples, it is difficult to argue against it in principle, and Mr Diarta was not arguing against tourism. He is concerned with the effects of it on the Balinese culture. Rightly so.

Undoubtedly, tourism brings change. It exposes local people to external cultures and customs, both good and bad, and allows them to see first hand an affluence that is more widespread than in Bali or the rest of Indonesia. However, I believe that change can be accommodated alongside continuity. Societies are dynamic, and change over time, but culture and heritage can be preserved.

With development,people aspire to a better lifem and so they should. Most development is "top down", that is, at the level of national government and large corporations. It is generally capital intensive.

There are forms of development that are more effective being implemented "bottom up", and this is probably the most effective way of preserving culture and religion. It can be encouraged and facilitated by national and local government,but is must come from the people. It can start with parents teaching their kids, it can be continued in the education system, and encouraged and re-enforced in all areas of Balinese life.

It may be difficult, but in the final analysis, the Balinese people will decide their own destiny. I believe that the Balinese have probably a better chance of balancing their traditional way of life with development and tourism than most people undergoing a similar experience. They are starting from a strong religious and cultural environment, and by and large, have maintained their traditions so far. If they choose to do so, it is possible to mantain them for the future.

Academics like Mr Diarta can play a role in maintaining culture by identifying the dangers, and advising and encouraging the people to be adapt to change without losing their identity.
 

matsaleh

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I believe that the Balinese have probably a better chance of balancing their traditional way of life with development and tourism than most people undergoing a similar experience. They are starting from a strong religious and cultural environment, and by and large, have maintained their traditions so far. If they choose to do so, it is possible to maintain them for the future.

In reality, only the Balinese themselves can quantify the effects of tourism on their customs and beliefs. Efforts by academics or expats alike, although well-intentioned, will have little effect if the Balinese people do not choose to remain true to their culture.

With ever-increasing tourism and in the face of such affluence and modernisaton, it remains to be seen if Bali can maintain her traditional values.
 

matsaleh

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Re: RE: The Bali Paradox

DrIvEr said:
agree. "i" as "you" as "them" can only choose our own paths in regards to balinese culture,
I'm not clear on the meaning of your response Doc, can you please elaborate? :?
 

matsaleh

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Thanks Doc, I understand now and agree that whenever we interact with others of different cultures, especially when living in close proximity, we influence each others' lives in some way.

Chris Vinson states, "Societies are dynamic, and change over time, but culture and heritage can be preserved." A difficult task for any culture, but more so for Bali, with so many external influences.

i think the more "non-balinese" get involved and adapt to the balinese culture and people the smaller is the risk of balinese themselves and others neglecting their heritage...
This sounds like sensible advice.

I'll play devil's advocate and suggest that the Balinese will only maintain their spiritual beliefs and traditions for as long as it remains beneficial to do so. Now I can hear you shouting at me from here Doc, however, history suggests that as societies evolve, spirituality and traditional values are superceded by more materialistic values and worldly pursuits. How do you think Bali will combat this natural progression?
 

matsaleh

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Re: RE: The Bali Paradox

DrIvEr said:
by the way....
"Now I can hear you shouting at me from here Doc"

Really? nooo me? i'm in a good mood! :D
Well Doc, you have been known to jump on your soap box occasionally! :p

It's very clear to all who read your posts that you love Bali and all that is Balinese. I, for one, know very little of Bali's heritage, customs and spirituality, but am determined to learn more.

There is such a special feeling about being in Bali which has nothing to do with the price of Bintang or DVDs; it's the people! :D
 

chris vinson

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Bert & DrIvEr,

How does this play in your local communities? Are there recognisable efforts to maintain spirituality and culture, or is it part of a natural progression.

Also, in the long run, the point made by Matsaleh about advanced societies becoming more materialistic and consumer based is a valid point. Probably the biggest danger to tradition.

Does exposure to tourism and development touch all Balinese,
or only some who are directly employed or involved in development projects, including tourism.

What about the people in rural areas and in agriculture? Are they the ones to preserve the traditions?
 

Bert Vierstra

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Well, I never studied the topic... I just know that Buleleng seems not the same as other areas of Bali. Not so heavely involved I think. As for my personal life, it seems that Dewi keeps to traditions, but is a little sloppy..

BTW I am busy getting Ketut overhere...
 

Roy

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There is an excellent book recently published which deals with this entire subject from the Balinese perspective. The book is titled “Bali Living in Two Worlds A critical self-portrait.” It is edited by the noted Swiss scholar Urs Ramseyer and was published in 2001, ISBN number 3-7965-1873-7. It is also available in the German language, title as “Bali – Leben in zwei Welten, ISBN number 3-7965-1872-9.

Within this excellent and insightful book are a number of essays written by noted Balinese scholars dealing with these important issues of maintaining the essence of Bali. Titles of various essays include: “The Dangerous Dream of a Golden Age” by Ida Ayu Agung Mas, “The Loss of the Last Paradise?” by IGR Panji Tisna, and “Between Holy Waters and Highways” by Putu Suasta, just to name three. Additionally it is wonderfully illustrated with a biting photo essay by the renowned photographer, Rama Surya. I regard this excellent book as mandatory reading for anyone who is serious about Bali beyond it being their play ground.

In his post, Chris Vinson wrote:

It may be difficult, but in the final analysis, the Balinese people will decide their own destiny. I believe that the Balinese have probably a better chance of balancing their traditional way of life with development and tourism than most people undergoing a similar experience. They are starting from a strong religious and cultural environment, and by and large, have maintained their traditions so far. If they choose to do so, it is possible to maintain them for the future.


I could not agree with more with those words. I live in what is largely regarded as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud. In past years, while change has occurred, the people of Ubud, and the several surrounding villages, have maintained their culture and cultural identity very well. My family maintains all of its customary traditions and performs all the proper ceremonies as they have since before the arrival of the West. My mother in law’s kitchen is no different than a traditional Balinese kitchen would have been in a Balinese compound of hundreds of years past, albeit, she has capitulated to having one gas burner, and an electric rice cooker. However, all cooking is still done over her very smoky, wood burning stove.

My family does not mandi in the river anymore, as my father in law installed a pump and piping to the river to bring up water some ten years ago. My wife, growing up in her compound still remembers well taking her two mandi a day in the river…positioning spotters up river to keep a look out for “floaters.”

My father in law still maintains the family business of alang alang, but now uses a big truck to transport his goods, as opposed to a wagon. Each of his two sons and two daughters have received a good education, my wife, and her older brother to the collegiate level. There is one TV in the entire compound, and when the family wants to watch the news, or a popular Indonesian comedy, they all gather together to watch. There is some guilt on my part here, as I was the one who furnished them with the TV.

My mother in law still takes the bemo to market most every day to stock up on fresh fish and other goods to sell out of her humble and very traditional warung. Speaking of traditional, I’ve often noted to my wife that I see more of her mother’s breasts, than I do hers.

My family’s compound is not at all unique within our humble village of Bunutan-Kedewatan. All aspect of traditional adat are strictly followed, and life centers around our five temples and the Banjar. My cousin Wayan Dedik, after earning his bachelors degree in anthropology in the US, living abroad for five years, has returned to our village, still living in his father’s compound and still teaching gamelan to the youth of our village. In talking with Wayan, he conveys a stronger commitment than every to maintain and pass on the customs of the elders.

As much as some things have changed, better roads, sidewalks, reliable electricity, city water, better schools and even a modest medical clinic, things actually seem to remain more the same. A walk along the side roads of our village is like a step back in time. If one can ignore the motor bikes, automobiles, and the fact that roads are paved, one can easily get a sense of the Bali we see in the early paintings and photographs of Bali.

I get a sense of alarm and fear from many visitors to Bali, that Bali is changing too fast, and for the worst, not the better. To some degree, this is true. It certainly is true for Kuta, Legian and Denpasar. But most of these visitors to Bali do not get to see, or spend any time off the main roads, where the real Bali is, and is still functioning quite well. The Balinese believe above all else that the balance between the forces of evil and good must be maintained. I don’t see that changing, at least not where I live.
 

matsaleh

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Re: “Bali Living in Two Worlds A critical self-portrait.”

Roy,
Since you've mentioned this book previously, both here and on other forums, I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to purchase a copy. I've tried various reputable bookshops here in Sydney, but to no avail.

As I'll be in Bali early in the New Year, can you tell me if it's possible to pick up a copy there?
 

chris vinson

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Roy,
Sounds as though the book makes for compulsive reading. I will get a copy.

The themes of "Change & Continuity", as I am sure you are aware, are recognised components of Development Studies.

I first lived and worked in Bali back in the 1970's, and like you, have seen a lot of changes, but also a lot that has not changed. Long may it continue.
 

Roy

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Mat, do you mind if I call you “Mat” for short? The book can be found in most all book stores in Bali, even at Ngurah Rai airport. But, if in a hurry to read it, check the web. I found this one very quickly, even with my deplorably slow modem speed:

http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/Boo ... =295757230

Chris, the book is indeed mandatory reading. Given your early experience in Bali, viz, the 70’s, I am sure it will be a “cannot put down” until a finished read.

Speaking for myself, but making the assumption I could easily find others to agree, your insights and memories of your “Bali life” would make for extremely insightful reading on this forum. I know only one continuing expat who can date himself to that time, my good friend, Victor Mason. There are others, of course, but I know Victor, and his insights, taken from his life then, and now, are quite revealing, and always enjoyable, if not outright, entertaining.

Very nice to “have you aboard” Chris…very nice indeed.
 

Roy

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Oh yea, and still going as strong as a kentut dari babi! He's re-published some of his early Bali fables, illustrated by our mutual friend Mokoh, and continues with his bird walks.

As Bali remains Bali, Victor remains Victor.
 

chris vinson

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That's good to hear. Strong as a "kentut dari babi", what an exquisite turn of phrase you have.

I'm digressing from the topic, but I will be back in Bali over xmas / new year. I feel a beer coming on.

I met Victor as part of a crowd, so he won't remember me. He was, and I am sure still is, a very amusing man.

I would love to run into him again. I seem to remember he lived in Ubud.
He was a character, and on the times I met him, he always had an audience. He used to hold court.
 

matsaleh

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Re: RE: The Bali Paradox

Roy said:
Mat, do you mind if I call you “Mat” for short?
I'd prefer "Mats"....it sounds a little less like a door mat. :wink:

Roy said:
your insights and memories of your “Bali life” would make for extremely insightful reading on this forum.
Chris I agree, your tales would make fascinating reading!
 

Roy

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Mats it is. No offense implied with Mat...as my late "brother" who was quite a well known character here in Bali was named Mathew, and of course always called Matt. Guess I was figuring Matt for the male gender, and Mat for the female. He wouldn't let anyone step on him anymore than I expect you would...but, Mats it is.

Beers it is Chris, if that's your "poison." You are welcomed to ring me up...(0361) 974445...when you get settled in. I'll contact Victor, and we'll let the day determine the outcome. I'm sure Sir Victor will be very happy, and enjoy re-convening court.
 

Roy

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Chris, I honestly look forward to it, just as I do your continuing posts. Just one thing though, when I answer the phone, please be sure to tell me who you are and why you're calling. My phone number has been left on too many Bali mandi walls. :shock: :D