Balinese missing the boat

The culture of Bali has taken centuries to develop but is being eroded at an ever increasing speed by modern conveniences and lifestyle.

Tourism, or at least modern tourism really started in Bali in the 1970's when surfers and backpackers arrived to enjoy Kuta beach and the cheap guesthouses and warungs that were sprouting up. This addition of western influence and western money was generally a positive thing for local people, introducing new ideas and a new revenue stream. Since then the number of western tourists visiting Bali and the number of westerners living in Bali and owning land / businesses has skyrocketed.

Balinese people, eager to cash in on this bonanza have sold land, signed deals, some legitimate, some not and often enjoyed the good time that the surge in economy (unlike places such as Timor or Kalimantan for example) have experienced.

The unfortunate twist to this tale is where it all ends. The level of education in Bali is low, the level of corruption high. Those 2 factors (real or imagined) mean that Balinese people are often not included in foreign businesses and opportunities, with foreigners preferring to hire Javanese or other westerners. With the population surging, the available land shrinking, the cost of living (everybody now 'needs' an iPhone, a motorbike and cool clothes) rising, the level of competition increasing and the impressions of locals in the eyes of western employers (incompetant and corrupt) the same, Balinese people have painted themsleves into a corner.

One oftens sees the bright and shiney expressions of 18 year old school leavers as they begin their new job in Circle K. How that expression saddens when the realization hits that 'this is going to be my job forever' 10 years later. With the rice-fields sold to developers, the cash spent and the skills not developed, all that young Balinese have to look forward to is a job in Circle K or renting surfboards on the beach. Starting in 1970 when the mainstream tourism came in and continuing into the 21st century, the Balinese have largely squandered their '100 years of opportunity'.

Let's hope a new force for rationality, learning and development can wash in before the chance is lost.


For visitors on a short stay in Bali, check out the affordable Bali hotels in Denpasar, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, Tanjung Benoa, Tuban, Ubud, Uluwatu and Umalas For visitors on a longer stay in Bali, check out the affordable Bali hotels in Amed, Candi Dasa, Canggu, Lombok, Lovina, Nusa Lembongan, Tabanan and Tanah Lot.