Bali Tourism Journal

Value Conflict in Bali's Casino Development Plan: Value Conflict Theory Analysis

I Made Ari Kapela — 2025-01-10

One of the most controversial issues that has sparked debate in print media is the proposal to develop casinos in Bali—a topic that resurfaced in mid-2024. This controversy reveals a deep conflict between two social groups: local government authorities and cultural communities advocating for the preservation of local values and a group of young entrepreneurs proposing a new economic approach. This proposal triggered a heated debate between proponents, who viewed casinos as economic catalysts, and opponents—including the Ministry of Tourism and the Bali Tourism Office. This study seeks to explore the public controversy surrounding the proposed development of casinos in Bali, with a particular focus on illustrating the conflict between economic interests and the preservation of culture-based tourism. This study employs a qualitative descriptive research design. Data collection is conducted through a literature review, drawing on existing academic works, media reports, and relevant public statements. The debate surrounding the proposal to establish international-standard casinos in Bali highlights a profound conflict between the preservation of traditional cultural values and aspirations for economic modernization. This conflict exemplifies the central thesis of Value Conflict Theory, which posits that societal disputes often arise from incompatible value systems rather than mere material interests. The opposing sides in Bali’s casino debate are not only advancing different economic strategies but are also championing divergent visions of what constitutes societal progress. The challenge lies in reconciling these distinct value frameworks without diminishing either side’s fundamental aspirations.

Analysis of Rejang Dance in Pedawa Village, Buleleng

Rizky Januar — 2025-03-11

This study explores the cultural and symbolic dimensions of the Rejang dance as practiced in Pedawa Village, Banjar District, Buleleng Regency, Bali. Drawing on a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research focuses on the interrelation between dance, costume, ritual, and community identity within the Bali Aga tradition. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and participant observation during ceremonial performances. The findings highlight the Rejang dance as a sacred ritual (wali) performed exclusively by unmarried adolescent girls known as Daa. These dancers wear elaborate, multilayered costumes made from rare woven fabrics, with each component—such as the kain rembang, seropong headdress, and floral adornments—imbued with symbolic meaning. The choreography’s slow and deliberate movements are influenced by both the sacred nature of the ritual and the constraints of the ceremonial attire. The research reveals that participation in the dance is governed by a hereditary system rooted in lineage and ritual purity. The designation of Daa follows strict community rules, with each family allowed only one representative at a time. The performance of Rejang during ceremonies such as Saba Malunin is both a rite of passage and an expression of ancestral devotion. Additionally, the use of biodegradable ritual offerings reflects the community’s ecological awareness. Overall, the Rejang dance in Pedawa functions as a medium of intergenerational knowledge transmission, reinforcing cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and social cohesion. It exemplifies how dance, costume, and ritual intersect to sustain a distinct cultural identity within a rapidly changing world.

Communicative Value of Hindu Leadership Philosophy in Kakawin Nitisastra

Gede Wirasatya — 2025-04-02

This paper explores Kakawin Nitisastra, a classical Old Javanese text, through the lens of the Aristotelian Model of Communication. Originating from ancient Indian philosophy and further developed in Balinese cultural contexts, Nitisastra integrates moral, political, and rhetorical principles to guide ethical leadership and communication practices. The study analyzes key teachings such as Catur Pariksa, Asta Brata, and Panca Upaya Sandhi, which emphasize the ethical use of speech, justice, wisdom, and strategic decision-making. These doctrines are examined in relation to Aristotle’s rhetorical triad—ethos, pathos, and logos—as well as his five communicative elements: speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, the research draws from textual interpretation and literature review to identify the communicative values embedded in the kakawin. The analysis reveals that the speaker in Nitisastra is portrayed as a morally upright and spiritually attuned figure, whose messages are framed in culturally significant occasions and intended for a broad audience including rulers and common citizens. The effect of communication in the text, aligned with pathos, is demonstrated through its transformative influence on leadership behavior and societal ethics. The kakawin does not merely offer normative guidance but presents practical models of rhetorical and ethical engagement relevant across generations. Ultimately, this study highlights how traditional Southeast Asian literary works can embody and enrich classical communication theories, positioning Kakawin Nitisastra as both a historical artifact and a living guide for ethical leadership and public discourse.

An Analysis of the Social Role of Tourism Ambassadors in Bali Province

Alit Sankara — 2025-02-09

This study explores the 2022 Bali Tourism Ambassador program through the lens of Stuart Hall’s Theory of Cultural Representation to examine how identity, culture, and tourism are constructed and communicated in contemporary Bali. As tourism remains central to Bali’s economy, the involvement of youth through ambassador programs has become a strategic cultural initiative. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected via interviews, observations, and media analysis. Findings reveal that the Bali Tourism Ambassador contest functions not only as a promotional platform but also as a symbolic site for producing and reinforcing dominant narratives about the ideal Balinese youth—cultured, attractive, intelligent, and civically engaged. Through Hall’s reflective, intentional, and constructionist approaches, the study illustrates how cultural symbols, rituals, language, and performance converge to shape public perceptions of tourism, modernity, and local identity. Events such as quarantine, public speaking, and traditional attire are framed not merely as assessments but as ideological practices embedded in a “regime of representation.” While the program succeeds in cultivating youth as cultural agents and tourism promoters, its long-term impact depends on consistent institutional support, mentorship, and integration into broader tourism development agendas. Without post-event follow-up, many of the finalists’ innovative ideas risk remaining symbolic. This research contributes to understanding how youth-led initiatives can serve as mechanisms of cultural continuity, soft power, and developmental communication in tourism-centric societies.

Destination Management in achieving Sustainable Tourism in Bali

I Komang Bayu Segara — 2025-01-18

Sustainable Tourism has gained traction and is being developed and implemented in various tourist destinations across Bali. This concept seeks to strike a balance between economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. Local wisdom values such as Tri Hita Karana and Sad Kerthi serve as the philosophical foundation for tourism practices that align with the spiritual, social, and ecological values of Balinese society. this study aims to examine how destination management influences the achievement of sustainability, particularly through the role of regulatory frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, and active community participation. A qualitative descriptive method is employed, with data collection techniques comprising observation through a literature review. this study employs the Destination Management Model (DMM) as the principal analytical framework to explore how destination governance influences the achievement of sustainable tourism. Findings showed Bali is progressively aligning its tourism development with the principles of sustainable destination management. However, significant structural and cultural challenges persist, necessitating multi-stakeholder collaboration, improved governance frameworks, and enhanced community engagement to maintain Bali’s status as a world-class tourism destination without compromising its authenticity. The most pressing challenges include the effectiveness of governance and regulatory enforcement, limited awareness and capabilities among small-scale tourism actors, and the intensifying pressures of unchecked tourism development. To overcome these issues, a holistic approach—grounded in local values and involving active participation from communities, regulators, tourism operators, and tourists themselves—is essential.