Bali Tourism Journal

Cultural Communication through Gambuh Dance : A Historical Performing Art from Bali

Eka Ari Suhendra — 2023-12-25

One of the most important factors driving artists to engage in the performing arts is the environment: artistic traditions within the family and the local community. In connection to the environment, there are three reasons why artists get involved in the arts: being appointed or requested, sometimes even 'forced' by the community, encouragement or a family calling, and personal willingness. Regarding the life and development of Gambuh and its instruments, it significantly influences other gamelan devices in terms of instrument usage, beat arrangement, song structure, motifs, and the names of some songs for various gamelan devices and specific types of compositions such as Semar Pegulingan, Pelegongan, Bebarongan, Joged Pingitan, Gong Gede, and Kebyar. In this study, a semiotic approach is used to analyze the elements of Gambuh Bali dance and reveal the messages contained within. First and foremost, in the semiotic study of Gambuh Bali, body movements become the primary focus. These movements can be seen as visual signs that carry implied meanings. Through the analysis of movements, messages related to character, emotions, and narratives in the dance can be uncovered. In the semiotic study of Gambuh Bali dance, the singing or chanting performed by the dancers can also be an object of analysis. Chants in Gambuh Bali dance play a crucial role in conveying cultural messages and expressing emotional nuances in the dance. By employing a semiotic approach, theoretical studies of Gambuh Bali dance can provide richer insights into the symbolism, cultural meanings, and messages embedded in this dance.

Challenges of Seaweed Cultivation in Nusa Penida for Economic, Tourism, and Environmental Sustainability

Ida Bagus Gede Karyambara Putra — 2023-09-22

Seaweed production in Indonesia is distributed across 23 provinces. The top five provinces in seaweed production, according to rankings, are South Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, North Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara. Among the dozens of seaweed-producing provinces, Bali has the potential for seaweed cultivation, supported by a vast marine area of 95,000 km2. The Nusa Penida sub-district of Klungkung Regency, the community shows interest in becoming seaweed farmers. The accessibility for seaweed farming in Nusa Penida is due to its location approximately ten nautical miles southeast of Bali, and its coastal area is recognized as a "museum" of rare seaweed globally. Farming activities and the seaweed production process have become a mainstay for export activities, contributing significantly to Indonesia's export value. The ease of cultivation and low capital requirements are factors that determine coastal residents' choice to become seaweed farmers. However, seaweed often faces obstacles in meeting domestic and export demands. While seaweed cultivation in Nusa Penida faces challenges, the community's resilience, coupled with innovative solutions and sustainable practices, positions seaweed as a valuable and versatile marine resource with the potential to contribute to both economic development and environmental conservation in the region.

Bali to Plan Tourist Retribution in 2024

Ida Ayu Adi Trisnawathi — 2023-09-22

There are intentions to enhance Local Revenue (PAD) in Bali Province. In recent years, tourism has emerged as a vital economic sector, contributing significantly to regional income. Local governments adept at managing tourist attractions stands a better chance of increasing local original revenue (PAD). In conclusion, the proposed introduction of a mandatory levy of IDR 150,000 per person for foreign tourists visiting Bali reflects the Bali Provincial Government's commitment to addressing budget deficits and enhancing local revenue. This initiative, aligned with Law No. 15 of 2023, aims to safeguard Bali's culture, natural environment, and infrastructure development. The funds collected are intended to support environmental conservation and waste management, contributing to the sustainability of Bali's tourism sector. The Bali Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD Bali) has taken steps to ensure transparency in fund management, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the levy and outlining sanctions for non-compliance. Tourism stakeholders, including the Bali Tourism Board, generally support the imposition of levies on foreign tourists, considering it a global practice. The success of this initiative depends on the careful management of funds, collaboration among stakeholders, and adherence to regulations. If implemented successfully, the levy has the potential to generate significant revenue, estimated at around IDR 900 billion per year if foreign tourist visits reach pre-pandemic levels. The ultimate goal is to utilize these funds for the development of Bali's tourism infrastructure, targeting premium and upper-middle-class international tourists while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Deconstructing Symbols and Meanings in the Kecak Dance

Alit Sankara — 2023-12-23

Initially, tourists visited the village where the group resided to witness the Kecak dance. However, the dance's popularity grew, and it became a feature in various events. Tourists could now enjoy Kecak performances at destinations like Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Batubulan, and others, which provided dedicated spaces for these performances. The Kecak dance, born out of creative cultural expression, became a unique art form showcased specifically for tourists. The choreography in Kecak dance is divided into five parts. In this choreography, all elements in the Kecak performance interact, creating a message directed to the audience. In dramaturgical analysis, it's important to note that Kecak Dance focuses on the aspects of performing arts. It is a dance highly specific to Balinese culture with unique characteristics reflecting their identity and cultural heritage. In the analysis of the staging of Kecak Dance using Symbolic Interactionism Theory, it portrays human life from a Hindu perspective consisting of Suka (joy), Duka (sorrow), Lara (pain), and Pati (death). The characters in Ramayana represent the qualities of protagonists and antagonists, which then interact with each other, giving rise to new universal values, such as Loyalty. Understanding the message in Kecak dance can be enhanced by increasing the involvement of tour guides as providers of additional information to tourists. Additionally, providing brochures containing synopses of the Ramayana story or the plot of Kecak dance in foreign languages during the performance can help the audience understand the presentation more easily, allowing the art to be fully appreciated.

Bridging Tradition and Tourism in Puri Saren Agung Ubud

Ida Ayu Agung Adnyawati — 2023-12-23

Puri, as one of the cultural heritages, contains cultural elements worthy of conservation. In addition to culture, Puri carries a reputation and inherent authority, shaping the image of leaders in society. The ancient buildings with extraordinary architecture and carvings on each structure not only stand as witnesses to the kingdom's past but also function as a living museum. The artistic system within this cultural element is manifested by the shift in the function of Puri Saren Agung Ubud from a residence to a tourist destination packaged with cultural tourism. . Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati's visionary establishment of the Tedung Agung Studio in the 1980s has not only provided a space for children to learn dance and percussion but has also contributed to the preservation and evolution of traditional Balinese performing arts. The tourism experience of performing arts at Puri Saren Agung has further elevated the cultural significance of Ubud. Balinese art, with its dual functions of wali and balih-balihan, has become a captivating form of tourist performing art. From the classical Legong dance to other traditional performances, Puri Saren Agung Ubud has been a focal point for tourists seeking an authentic and immersive encounter with Balinese culture.