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Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Intercultural Communication Summer Course
Academic Discussions 2024, A Critical Look at Tourism, Culture & Sustainability in Bali
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On Thursday, 29th August 2024, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Campus in Udayana university, Denpasar, Bali, hosted an academic discussion of the Intercultural Communication Program by Upskill Study. The discussion was presented by our participant, Mair from Cardiff university, Wales, United Kingdom. The topic was focused on Western Perspectives on the Tourism Ruination of Bali, drawing from Lisa Qian's 2017 essay, Real Bali as a Western Construct: Rethinking Tourism's Ruination of Bali, the presentation delved deep into the impact of tourism on Bali, highlighting issues such as cultural commodification, labor exploitation, and environmental degradation. The discussions included contributions from both students and faculty, providing a well-rounded exploration of Bali’s complex relationship with tourism and were attended by 11 students of International Relations major of FISIP Udayana.
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Historical Roots and Coloniality
Mair’s presentation began by addressing the colonial history that shaped Bali’s modern tourism industry. The Dutch colonization marketed Bali as a paradisiacal, untouched destination—a utopian image that still persists today. However, she highlighted that this "untouched" atmosphere was artificially constructed, as colonial policies significantly influenced Bali’s caste system and even its famed rice terraces. This historical perspective opened up the discussion about whether Bali's current touristic appeal is a product of colonial manipulation.
Students were encouraged to question the long-term effects of tourism, not only in shaping Bali’s image but also in how it impacts the local population. Mair argued that modern-day tourism, often driven by Western perspectives, mirrors the colonial mindset that presented Bali as a "hidden gem" to be discovered and consumed. This framing has contributed to the commodification of Balinese culture, turning sacred practices into spectacles for visitors. The discussion further drew parallels between early colonial portrayals and today's social media culture, where influencers often prioritize capturing "Instagrammable" moments without considering cultural sensitivities.
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Traffic and Overcrowding: A Local Perspective
The influx of tourists has led to significant challenges, including traffic congestion. The local norm of using motorbikes for transportation has been exacerbated by tourists renting motorbikes rather than using public transportation. Nouval Zaidan Akbar Nasution, one of the students, remarked on how this trend, popularized on platforms like TikTok, has worsened road conditions and led to frequent accidents involving tourists unfamiliar with riding motorbikes. He emphasized the daily frustration experienced by locals, especially in heavily congested areas like Denpasar and Jimbaran, where traffic from tourists often doubles commute times.
Noval’s comments sparked a lively discussion on whether Bali should implement stricter policies on motorbike rentals for tourists. Some attendees suggested promoting alternative forms of transport, such as Go-Jek and public buses, to reduce road congestion and minimize accidents. The group also examined the deeper issue of overcrowding in popular tourist spots, linking it to the environmental strain on the island’s infrastructure.
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Environmental Impact and Water Crisis
Environmental sustainability was a central theme of the discussions, with particular emphasis on Bali’s growing water crisis. Sarah Abigail, a student and a representative of the Bali Youth Parliament for Water, highlighted how tourism-driven infrastructure projects—such as the construction of new villas and hotels—are depleting Bali's water resources. She pointed out that these businesses prioritize their water needs over local farming communities, leading to significant challenges for Balinese farmers who rely on the island's traditional irrigation systems. Despite the implementation of a tourist levy, Abigail criticized the lack of transparency in how the funds are used, noting that little has been done to address the water crisis.
The conversation around environmental issues extended to pollution and waste mismanagement, with participants calling for stricter government regulations and better resource allocation. Mair supported these points, arguing that while tourism is essential for Bali’s economy, it should not come at the cost of the island’s natural resources and the livelihoods of its local population. The discussions concluded with a call for the government to prioritize human rights, ensuring that the local community’s access to water is protected above all.
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Lontar Preservation and Cultural Commodification
One of the most compelling discussions during the event focused on the preservation of lontar, an ancient form of Balinese literature inscribed on palm leaves. Gede Oka Arya Duartha, another student, led the conversation on the challenges of maintaining interest in lontar among Bali’s younger generation. He explained that many local youths find lontar outdated, preferring modern or Western influences. This disinterest, coupled with the technical difficulties of writing on lontar, has made it increasingly hard to preserve this tradition.
The government’s efforts to introduce lontar to tourists have had mixed results. While some young Balinese are inspired by the interest shown by foreign visitors, others view lontar as merely a souvenir item, stripped of its cultural significance. Duartha expressed concern that lontar is being commodified, reduced to a product for tourists rather than a living cultural practice. He emphasized that digitalization of lontar, while helpful in modernizing the practice, should not replace the hands-on learning process that connects young people to their heritage.
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Gender and Social Issues
In addition to environmental and cultural discussions, gender and social issues in Bali were also explored. I Gusti Agung Luna Harum Tirta addressed the caste system’s role in gender inequality, particularly the challenges faced by Balinese women who marry outside their caste. These women often face social rejection and struggle with issues of identity. The discussion also touched upon the broader topic of feminism in Bali, highlighting how traditional cultural values sometimes conflict with modern gender equality movements.
Students' reflected on how tourism plays a role in shaping perceptions of gender and caste, especially as Bali becomes a global destination. The growing influence of Western values has led to tensions between preserving local traditions and embracing change, a recurring theme throughout the event.
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Conclusion: Toward a Sustainable Future for Bali
upskill Intercultural Communication's of FISIP Udayana Academic Discussions offered a comprehensive look at the multifaceted issues facing Bali’s tourism industry. From environmental degradation to cultural commodification, the discussions highlighted the need for a more sustainable, respectful approach to tourism. Mair advocated for prioritizing quality over quantity, urging Bali to attract visitors who appreciate and respect the island’s rich heritage rather than catering to mass tourism that exploits its resources and traditions.
By Billy Bagus
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