Ahmad Ghazy Dananjaya

The Threat of New Colonialism and the Ethical Crisis of Balinese Tourism

Introduction

the threat of new colonialism and the ethical crisis of balinese tourism. Bali's tourism faces a new colonialism and ethical crisis from foreign property dominance & digital nomads in Canggu. This study reveals threats to land, culture & proposes sustainable solutions.

Abstract

This study investigates how the increasing foreign property dominance in Canggu, Bali, fueled by a post-pandemic surge in digital nomads, is pushing aside tourism ethics. This influx has created an unprecedented demand for villas and co-working spaces, leading to a severe land crisis and heightened social inequality. The conversion of agricultural land into tourism properties, often ignoring sustainability, directly threatens Bali's food security and significantly damages vital local ecosystems, including the UNESCO-recognized traditional Subak irrigation system. Moreover, the escalating influence of foreign investors worsens existing social and economic disparities while intensifying the erosion of Balinese culture. Drawing on data from 400 respondents, this research proposes actionable solutions: a moratorium on commercial property permits in green zones, agricultural land rehabilitation, empowerment of the local economy, and stringent enforcement of customary law. Our policy recommendations highlight the critical need for sustainable tourism planning and robust property regulations to safeguard environmental and cultural sustainability. This study aims to deepen the understanding of more responsible and sustainable tourism practices in Bali and other regions grappling with similar developmental challenges.

Review

This timely paper, "The Threat of New Colonialism and the Ethical Crisis of Balinese Tourism," investigates a critically important and increasingly urgent issue concerning the sustainability and ethical dimensions of tourism development, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape. The abstract compellingly outlines how the surge in digital nomads and foreign property dominance in Canggu, Bali, is instigating a severe land crisis, exacerbating social inequality, and pushing aside established tourism ethics. This study's focus on the intricate web of economic, social, cultural, and environmental challenges facing a globally renowned tourist destination provides a highly relevant contribution to contemporary discussions on responsible tourism. A significant strength of this research lies in its clear identification of the specific drivers and multifaceted consequences of unchecked development. By detailing impacts ranging from the conversion of agricultural land and threats to food security to the damage of vital local ecosystems, including the UNESCO-recognized Subak system, and the erosion of Balinese culture, the study offers a comprehensive diagnosis of the problem. The mention of drawing on data from 400 respondents suggests a solid empirical basis for its claims, enhancing the credibility of its findings. Moreover, the paper goes beyond problem identification by proposing concrete, actionable solutions—such as a moratorium on commercial property permits, agricultural land rehabilitation, and empowerment of the local economy—culminating in valuable policy recommendations for sustainable tourism planning and robust property regulations. While the abstract presents a compelling and well-structured overview, a full examination would benefit from deeper engagement with certain aspects. Specifically, elaborating on the conceptual framework of "new colonialism" and how this manifests and is measured within the Balinese context would strengthen its theoretical contribution. Further methodological details, such as the composition of the 400 respondents and the specific nature of their input, would provide crucial context for evaluating the findings. Additionally, while the proposed solutions are pertinent, an exploration of the practical implementation challenges, potential political economy dynamics, and the precise mechanisms for enforcing customary law in the face of powerful foreign interests would offer a more nuanced and pragmatic understanding of how these recommendations can be effectively translated into policy and practice.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.