Bali has been listed amongst the most densely populated islands in the world, as it is the second most densely populated island in Indonesia.
Bali has seen a rapid surge in the number of tourists visiting the province over the last decade, and the impact is being felt by both visitors and local communities.
Bali is officially inhabited by 4.2 million residents, yet, with more than 60,000 tourists arriving on average every day, at any given moment, there are hundreds of thousands more non-residents visiting the island. With the island only 5,780 square kilometres in size, the population density reaches 731 people per square kilometre, before counting tourists.
Much like in many destinations around the world where tourism has boomed, Bali is starting to see disquiet from local communities who feel that their quality of life is being negatively impacted by the presence of an ever-growing tourism sector.
In Europe, anti-mass tourism protests have been seen in Spain and Portugal. While protests have not been seen in Bali, many local communities are starting to speak up about the impact on their lives.
Speaking to reporters, 41-year-old Wahyuni from Denpasar shared that he is starting to feel pushed out of his own homeland.
He noted, “The population density in Bali is a big challenge for me, which is one of the village manners that should feel comfortable in their own environment.”
He added that it is not only the presence of tourists and foreigners that is adding to the population density in Bali, but also Indonesian nationals who come to Bali from other provinces to work and build businesses.
He shared that he has seen a growing trend for Balinese people to seek work abroad, creating another problem for the province. With a huge amount of the young workforce moving abroad for employment, the agricultural sector in Bali is lacking staff. From clove farming to coffee, to rice and fruit, the Bali agricultural sector is now reliant on non-Balinese workers to continue working.
Wahyuni shared, “Then who takes the role to be a picker? Because there is a gap, eventually relying on outsiders.” He also raised concerns about foreigners investing in property in Bali and the impact this has been having on local communities.
Wahyuni explained, “There are many green spaces that must be sacrificed. Right now, also with the arrival of [foreigners] from Russia, who ruled Bali and brought all their partners here. And of course, we are increasingly unable to buy a piece of land that we used to dream of.”
He concluded, “So in Bali, which in some corners is experiencing hunger and suffering, is not highlighted. Even covered by the government, so that we are so prosperous and look happy.”
Throughout 2024, leaders in Bali issued statements on overtourism in Bali, after international media outlets labeled the island as a victim of over-tourism.
However, the Head of the Bali Tourism Office denied that the island is experiencing over-tourism, but conceded that the spikes in visitor numbers over peak vacation periods like Christmas and Eid needed to be managed effectively.
Pemayun shared, “We from the Bali Provincial Tourism Office always urge managers to be ready and monitor the facilities. So that visitor comfort is guaranteed.” Adding “Bali must always be ready, because as a tourist destination, the world knows no time. Bali must be ready at all times, whatever the event. However, when there is a special day, you must be even more prepared.”
He concluded, “We are not saying that Bali has overtourism. If we look at the data on the number of rooms available, let alone the number of tourists at attractions, it can still accommodate tourist visits. The only problem is on the roads, so that there are no traffic jams.”
Leaders in Bali are working to more evenly distribute tourism across the island, for the betterment of local communities, tourists, infrastructure, and the environment. Tourists planning a vacation in Bali in the coming months will see more promotion of the destination in the north and west of the island, including destinations like Lovina, Pemuteran, and West Bali National Park.
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