Effects of cultural tourism on Bali, Indonesia

Cultural Tourism

Culture Tourism Research the effects (both positive and negative) that tourism has had on Bali, Indonesia.

When most people think of Bali, they will often associate it with the beaches and their unique traditions. This has helped to make it one of the most popular cultural tourism destinations. What has helped to enhance its reputation is their ability to combine modern dance, painting, sculpting, music, metal working and leather craft. The combination of these factors has resulted in Bali realizing a dramatic increase in cultural tourism. (McKean, 2010) (Howe, 2005)

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from McKean (2010) who said, "In the past decade, tourism was encouraged by the Indonesian government, the World Bank, international corporations and local entrepreneurs has become important on part of life isle of Bali. These are the effects of an annual onslaught of nearly a half million increase in tourists every single year. This is because Bali has favorable weather conditions that are augmented with cultural factors." (McKean, 2010) (Howe, 2005)

These insights are showing how it has become one of the most popular destinations for a variety of tourists. This is having both positive and negative impacts on Bali. To fully understand what is taking place requires examining the effects this is having. This will be accomplished by focusing on: its history, the culture, the impact of tourism, the residents' feelings and suggestions for dealing with these challenges. Together, these elements will highlight the long-term influences these areas are having on Bali. (McKean, 2010) (Howe, 2005)

Brief history or overview of the region prior to tourism development: describe the culture and climate of the location.

Bali is a province of Indonesia. It has a land that mass covers several small islands in the area of approximately 10 km. In 2000 BC, the Taiwanese (called the Austroesians) first settled in the region. They have cultural ties that are close to Indonesia, the Archipelago, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Moreover, they have strong ties with Chinese and Hindu traditions. (Howe, 2005) (Pringle, 2004)

The Europeans first arrived in 1585 when the Portuguese established a colony in Bali. This was followed by the Dutch (who were interested in it because of its close proximity to Asia). They established major operations in the region and began to use it as a trading center. Over the next several hundred years, there was a focus on ensuring complete administrative control of these islands. This resulted in a series of conflicts between the 19th and 20th centuries with the locals wanting the Dutch to leave. (Howe, 2005) (Pringle, 2004)

In the 1930s, anthropologists began to show how Bali had unique traditions that were augmented with the image of an enchanted island paradise. They were known for their unique local traditions that were combined with unique geographical conditions. During World War II, the Japanese invaded and occupied Bali. To resist them, locals began to organize under the Balinese Freedom Army. They were focused on driving out the Japanese and establishing their own government (which was controlled by local officials). (Howe, 2005) (Pringle, 2004)

However, after the war was over, the Dutch quickly established their pre-colonial government and continued with the same practices. The problem was the Balinese were using their army to fight against the Japanese in order to resist any kind of occupation by foreign powers. This led to hostilities against any kind of direct or indirect rule. Then, in 1949 it became a part of the Republic of Indonesia. (Howe, 2005) (Pringle, 2004)

This was supposed to provide the people with greater control of their future. Yet, a variety of challenges continued to emerge, as they wanted more local autonomy. This allowed them to begin having normal relations with Western countries and it became the foundation for the island as a tourist destination (which it has become known for). (Howe, 2005) (Pringle, 2004)

These factors are illustrating how the culture of Bali is a combination of Asian and Western traditions that are augmented with each other. At the same time, they have a climate that is very hospitable for a number of activities including tourism and farming. Evidence of this can be seen by looking at the below table (which is highlighting the weather).

Temperature and Climate Conditions of Bali

Month

Minimum (in Celsius)

Maximum (in Celsius)

Season

January

26

32

Wet

February

26

32

Wet

March

26

32

Wet

April

25

33

Dry

May

25

53

Dry

June

23

31

Dry

July

23

31

Dry

August

23

31

Dry

September

24

32

Dry

October

25

33

Wet

November

26

32

Wet

December

26

32

Wet

("Bali Weather and Climate," 2011)

These figures are showing how Bali has a warm and humid climate. This is what makes it a popular destination among tourists. (Howe, 2005) (Pringle, 2004)

Impact of tourism (positive, negative, economic impact, socio-cultural impact and cultural impact)

The biggest factors that make Bali such an ideal attraction for tourists are the relaxed atmosphere that is combined with tropical weather and unique cultural traditions. The positive effects are helping to improve the standard of living for the Balinese. This has resulted in an increase in the standard of living for the local population of three million inhabitants. It has also helped to enhance its image and reputation on the world stage with $380 million in exports. (Fiegenbaum, 2012)

At the same time, the industry has created 200 thousand jobs. These changes are supporting local farmers, businesses and other organizations. They are benefiting directly from the positive economic impact it is having on the economy every single year. These factors are leading to an increase in tourism with more people choosing to make Bali their destination of choice. (Fiegenbaum, 2012)

However, the negative effects are that Bali is facing tremendous challenges from the onslaught of tourists. They are increasing in number and placing greater demands on its limited resources. This is resulting in worries that they will strip the island of water supplies, place added strains on the infrastructure and it is damaging the environment (from the larger number of visitors who keep arriving). The net effects are that the industry is contributing to an ecological crisis that is only becoming worse. (Botetar, 2012)

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Bali's Governor who said, "There is a framework of projecting a good image for Indonesia, especially Bali. But, that image may be changing with a recent article in Time magazine dubbing Bali as a potential 'holiday from hell' because of its problems with infrastructure, waste management and traffic. There are problems with over-development on the beachfront, roads are chaotic, power from Java is unreliable and the water system is literally falling apart. Getting building approval in Kuta and Legian today is usually more about who is given an incentive to approve the development rather than about what is suitable and appropriate for the area." This is illustrating the negative effects that tourism is having on Bali and its resources. (Botetar, 2012)

Economically, tourism is resulting in a reduction in unemployment and an improvement in the standard of living. The net effects are that this is accounting for nearly 80% of all economic activity. At the same time, this has helped to contribute to an increase in real estate and land prices. These factors have allowed locals, who own various plots of land, to realize an improvement in their standard of living and quality of life. (Howe, 2005)

Social - culturally, this is transforming the way everyone is interacting with each other. This is occurring with many practices becoming a standard part of the package to reach out to the increasing number of tourists. The problem is that society is slowly becoming overly influenced and a number of people in the younger generations are losing their identity of who they are. (Howe, 2005)

The cultural effects are that Bali is becoming packaged product that is focused on meeting the needs of tourists. However, it is unable to maintain the deep connection with its roots. Instead, most people are slowly becoming Westernized and do not understand the meaning of these traditions. This is hurting their self-identify and comprehension about how who they are. (Howe, 2005)

Suggestions based on the problems / impacts that tourism had on Bali

To deal with negative effects of tourism on Bali requires carefully managing growth in contrast with the total number of natural resources that are being utilized. What is happening is; government officials have allowed the industry to have unrestricted growth in the past. This has resulted in many large hotels overbuilding in critical areas. The net effects are that Bali is realizing added pressures on its natural resources and infrastructure. (Botetar, 2012) (Hitchcock, 2009)

One possible solution is to place restrictions on the size of these resorts and the total number of visitors that are allowed to go to the region. This will lead to a decline in the amount of tourists. However, the supply has outstripped the demand and there are now challenges impacting the availability of natural resources in these areas. (Botetar, 2012) (Hitchcock, 2009)

Commenting about these changes is Wayan Suardan. He is a local environmentalist who says, "Building more conference facilities makes no sense when the island already has enough. The amount of water being consumes is staggering, at about 669,000 liters a day; that's equivalent to the needs of approximately 4,500 residents in south Kuta. The island is already struggling to meet current demand. Symptoms of the water crisis are now seen more often with a lot of areas experiencing drought. The site for a new project has been used to grow crops like rice, taro and corn so if it goes ahead, farmers will be shoved off the land and lose their income. The impact on farmers is quite large considering they could no longer farm nor have they been provided with other land to farm or any other alternative after eviction." (Botetar, 2012)

This is illustrating how Bali is facing unique challenges in managing the growth of the tourism industry and maintaining the needs of the local economy. These challenges are resulting in a large increase in the number of visitors. This will adversely impact the economy and the demand for natural resources. When this happens, there will be a major transformation in how the people are seeing the importance of the industry and its impact on the future. (Botetar, 2012) (Hitchcock, 2009)

As a result, the best approach is for the government to place limits on the total amounts of building that are occurring. This is because these activities will create long-term challenges for the economy and ecology of the region. When this happens, there will be negative effects upon everyone. If limits were placed upon these projects, there will be greater amounts of control of the natural resources and how they are managed. (Smith, 2006) (Botetar, 2012) (Hitchcock, 2009)

At the same time, this kind of strategy will yield positive results. This is occurring based upon the fact that these limits will more effectively control access to natural resources and how they are utilized. One possible approach to achieve these objectives is to allow select amounts of building. The way that this can be achieved each hotel must demonstrate how they are helping to reduce their environmental impact. This is accomplished by having each location submit an environmental and economic feasibility study. It is demonstrating how these activities are designed to reduce the impact on natural resources and the local economy (such as the displacement of farmers). (Smith, 2006) (Botetar, 2012) (Hitchcock, 2009)

To enhance these practices, the government can impose regulations that will require everyone to show how they are reducing the negative effects of tourism on the local economy. If this were to occur, there will be responsible polices in place that will limit the impact of these negative effects on different stakeholders. This will allow Bali to continue to offer sustainable environmental and economic practices without adversely affecting the environment. (Smith, 2006) (Botetar, 2012) (Hitchcock, 2009)

Conclusion

Clearly, tourism is having a major impact on Bali. This is occurring with the industry accounting for large amounts of job creation and it is helping to spur economic development. However, the problem is that growth has been unrestricted. This is creating a situation where the natural resources are becoming strained and many local farmers are suffering from these activities.

As a result, the government should take an approach that will require the industry to adopt practices that are ecologically friendly. Moreover, they should limit any kind of new constructions projects. This means that everyone must demonstrate how their activities will have a limited impact on the environment and local industries.

If this can occur, there is a high probability that there will be a major transformation in how this product is promoted and the way natural resources are managed. This is the key for Bali to realize an increase in their tourist product. While at the same time, it is ensuring that everyone is following the most responsible practices. This is when the various challenges can be addressed utilizing a responsible approach which is taking into account the views of a variety of stakeholders.