Bali's Tourism Sector Urged to Shift Towards Regenerative Practices

DENPASAR, Indonesia – Bali's tourism industry must undergo a fundamental transformation to ensure that visitor growth and investments do not compromise the island's environment, culture, and quality of life for its people, according to Dr. Trisno Nugroho, an economist and tourism observer affiliated with the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali. Speaking on August 31, Nugroho emphasized that the success of tourism should not solely be measured by the influx of tourists, hotel occupancy rates, or economic transactions.

"The more pressing question today is whether tourism truly improves Bali," Nugroho said, suggesting the adoption of regenerative tourism principles. This approach encourages tourism activities that not only avoid environmental degradation but also contribute positively to the recovery and enhancement of destinations.

Nugroho pointed out that the increasing number of tourists has led to challenges such as overcrowding, waste management issues, and pressure on local water and land resources. He warned that local culture risks being reduced to mere attractions for visitors. Therefore, he argues that after tourists leave, there should be a positive impact on villages, culture, the environment, and the well-being of local communities.

He cited Penglipuran Village in Bangli as an example of the relationship between tourism, cultural life, and the environment. The village has experienced both increased popularity and the pressures that come with it, including waste management challenges and the need to preserve its bamboo forests and open spaces. Nugroho insisted that successful tourist villages must continuously evaluate and improve their management systems.

Furthermore, Nugroho, who completed his doctoral dissertation at Udayana University on regenerative tourism models in Penglipuran, highlighted the importance of community involvement. He stated that tourism development cannot rely solely on promotion, facilities, and attractions but must evolve into a community movement. Engaging local residents strengthens the local economy, revitalizes small and medium enterprises (SMEs), opens opportunities for youth, and fosters a sense of ownership over the destination.

In addition to these challenges, tourism practitioner Yoga Iswara noted that Bali faces another significant issue: a lack of effective control over development. He described the current situation as "Bali is not in control," emphasizing that the growth of tourism-related infrastructure and shifts in permitting mechanisms, such as the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, require adjustments in local regulatory management.

Iswara asserted that the issues Bali faces cannot be solely characterized as overtourism. A more fundamental concern is the imbalance between the growth of tourism activities and the capacity of existing infrastructure. "Tourism growth is not aligned with our infrastructural gap, leading to concentrated pressure at certain points," he explained on August 30.

He also criticized the current tourism regulations, stating they do not fully align with the unique character of Bali. Iswara advocated for the establishment of a dedicated authority to oversee tourism management in Bali, particularly concerning regulatory aspects. He cautioned that national policies, which are generally designed for broader application, may not be suitable for every destination, particularly for Bali, which is a small island with limited space and resources.

As Bali looks to the future, both Nugroho and Iswara stress that the success of tourism should not merely be quantified by the number of visitors and investments. Instead, it must also consider the extent to which growth remains manageable while preserving the environment, the living space of local communities, and the cultural identity of Bali.