The Impact of Unplanned Development on Bali’s Cultural and Environmental Heritage

img Jason Astono | October 10, 2024

The recent round table talk invited Indra (owner of Villa Arindra in Jimbaran and Ubud), Arie Supit (owner of Villa Arie Supit), Bli Diko (owner of Sheashell Bingin), Kanaya (owner of Zenden Villa), Mr. Adi Kumara and Mrs. Putu (from Bali Villa Service), and Bram (from an independent property agent) to discuss how to restore the glory of Balinese culture and support Bali cultural preservation. I’m Jason, a journalist from Bukit Vista. Let’s listen to what are the people from Bali had to say about this opportunity. 

Bali cultural preservation
Delighting our partners at the Round Table Talk at Bukit Vista's Bali Base on 08 October 2024

This issue has escalated as developers continue to prioritize short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability, putting Bali cultural preservation at serious risk. The shift is evident as Balinese architecture and traditional building methods are increasingly overlooked in favor of international design trends like Mediterranean and Santorini-inspired styles, which disrupt the island’s cultural heritage and landscape. Such developments neglect the unique identity of Bali, making the need for Bali cultural preservation efforts more urgent to protect its authentic heritage.

Shifts in Tourism and the Need for Bali Cultural Preservation

bali cultural preservation
Wayana (Bukit Vista's co-founder) sharing her thought on the shift in tourism
Wayana noticed that, years ago, content creators used to focus on Balinese culture as the main part of their work. But now, Balinese culture has become more of a background, with creators putting themselves in the spotlight. This change reflects a bigger shift in tourism, where real cultural experiences are often replaced by more appealing, commercialized versions for international audiences. This makes it even more important to protect and preserve Bali’s cultural heritage.
 
The trend shows that current property developers tend to create properties that cater to what tourists want, such as Mediterranean and Santorini-style buildings, which are incompatible with Bali’s environment. Developers are primarily focused on profit and are trading Balinese culture for monetary gain. Without active Bali cultural preservation efforts, this trend threatens the sustainability and authenticity of Balinese culture, creating a disconnect between modern developments and Bali’s cultural roots. If this continues, the island may become a homogenized tourist hub, losing its unique identity and appeal as a cultural destination

Proposed Solutions and Future Directions

bali cultural preservation
Indra (owner of Villa Arindra) sharing his thoughts on Balinese Culture Preservatiion

The round table talk emphasized several ideas to strengthen Bali cultural preservation by preserving traditional Balinese architecture in new property developments. These include encouraging the use of local materials and traditional construction techniques in property design to maintain the authenticity of Balinese architecture. Integrating Balinese cultural elements, such as local art and symbolism, into both the interior and exterior designs of new buildings was also recommended. It is essential to build awareness and foster collaboration between property developers and local communities to ensure that development projects respect and preserve Bali’s cultural heritage, supporting Bali cultural preservation efforts.

bali cultural preservation
Kanaya sharing his YouTube video about Melukat, a Balinese Traditional Cleansing Ritual

One example discussed by Jing was the lack of promenade areas in Ubud, despite its beautiful rice field views, which could be developed into new attractions to highlight authentic local beauty. Similarly, Balinese culture can be elevated into a primary attraction, similar to the Kecak dance performances in Uluwatu or the Melukat ritual that Mrs. Kanaya promotes through her YouTube videos. These approaches strongly align with the goal of Bali cultural preservation by promoting experiences that are deeply rooted in local traditions and values.

Conclusion

bali cultural preservation
Round Table Talk on 08 October 2024

The round table talk reflects growing concerns among local and international observers about the trajectory of Bali’s development. The current path threatens not only the island’s unique cultural and architectural heritage but also its environmental sustainability. Without a strategic shift towards more regulated and culturally sensitive development, Bali cultural preservation will be significantly undermined. 

Proactive efforts must include stricter enforcement of existing regulations, incentivizing the use of traditional materials and techniques, and fostering greater collaboration between developers and local communities. By taking these steps, Bali can safeguard its cultural identity and remain a globally sought-after destination for those who value authentic cultural experiences.

At Bukit Vista, we not only offer guidance but also foster a community where investors can exchange insights and strategies. Whether you’re looking for professional assistance aiming to understand the Bali property market more deeply, we invite you to join our network of successful investors at the round table talk. Together, we can turn your investment into a sustainable, profitable venture that contributes positively to Bali’s future. Visit us at Bukit Vista to learn more about how we can achieve remarkable results together.

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