If the Bali You Know Comes from Screens, Magazines, or Tourist Vlogs, You’re Only Seeing Part of the Picture
The Bali you see in glossy magazines, on TV, or through tourist vlogs is undoubtedly curated to attract more visitors to this island.
It’s not entirely wrong — Bali can indeed look that way to some people. But isn’t that just marketing, to put it bluntly? They say living in Bali is like living in paradise, a captivating image, isn’t it? Who wouldn’t be enticed by such an alluring portrayal?
However, like anywhere else, Bali has its share of problems. To truly understand Bali, it’s essential to look beyond the lens of travel media or vlogs and try seeing it through the eyes of the Balinese themselves.
Recently, I finished one of the most significant books I’ve read this year: “Suara Berbeda dari Pulau Dewata” (A Different Voice from the Island of the Gods), an independently published work by Balebengong, a citizen journalism platform.
Is Bali Really the Island Paradise People Imagine?
One of the hardest truths I grappled with while reading this book was realizing that for some, Bali can feel more like a “hell” than a “paradise.”
Land grabs, broken families, skyrocketing living costs, and even deaths — realities starkly at odds with the idyllic paradise described in scriptures and travel brochures.
Many articles in the book highlight issues that emerged over a decade ago but persist to this day. The list is long, but let’s focus on what I find most pressing.
The Waste Problem
This issue is undeniably complex. Despite ongoing efforts, solutions from stakeholders have yet to make a significant impact. Moreover, the government hasn’t introduced new approaches to tackle this problem effectively.
On a broader scale, waste management is closely tied to climate change. Zooming in, the issue affects soil contamination, pollutes the ocean, and taints crops, ultimately harming the living beings that depend on these ecosystems.
Looking ahead, another urgent concern is electronic waste (e-waste), such as batteries and other hazardous materials. In three or four years, the batteries from electric vehicles marketed as eco-friendly will reach the end of their lifespan. These require specialized disposal, and dumping them in general landfill sites isn’t an option.
I’ve highlighted waste as the first issue here because improper management could lead to ecological disasters. These, in turn, would exacerbate critical problems like food security and water scarcity.
Water Scarcity
One article in the book titled “Bali Will Face a Water Crisis by 2015. Seriously?” was written nearly a decade ago. Even then, the writer had heard discussions about the issue several years earlier.
Today, the situation has only worsened.
Tourists, of course, remain unaffected. They can still enjoy splashing around in pools at hotels and villas. So far, the government ensures their water supply, even if it means drawing from groundwater reserves meant for future generations.
But in many areas of Bali, locals are already paying for water — a resource that ideally should be freely available for basic needs.
The most disheartening aspect is that the people most affected by water scarcity are often those with the least access. These are individuals who need water not for luxury, but to survive. Bali’s water crisis isn’t just about drought; it’s about water equity.
When some locals recently tried to discuss water issues, they faced intimidation. You can read about the details [here].
Food Security
Without referencing specific reports or data, it’s clear that Bali imports staple foods like rice from other regions. It’s doubtful that today’s Balinese farmlands can meet the island’s own needs.
One major factor? The massive conversion of agricultural land over the past two to three decades. Other contributing issues include waste polluting fertile fields, government policies that overlook farmers’ interests, and climate change causing crop failures.
A Glimpse of Hope
While this book paints a sobering picture, it also offers hope.
In recent years, more people have begun caring about Bali. Grassroots initiatives and traditional values often overlooked are emerging as solutions.
Take the waste issue, for instance. The Malu Dong community has been campaigning on this topic since 2009.
The book also introduces inspiring figures — Balinese individuals committed to making a positive impact on their homeland.
Bali’s traditional subak system, a globally recognized collective irrigation practice, could serve as a model for addressing water issues. Likewise, the banjar community system exemplifies enduring local traditions of mutual aid.
Mapping problems is one thing, but this book also shares examples of how residents support one another to endure challenges. Often, the mantra “citizens help citizens” transforms into tangible actions to overcome difficulties.
If the government is reluctant to embrace criticism without constructive suggestions, here’s one: Start by reading this book!
The article published in Balebengong with the title: Terkaget-kaget Membaca Buku Suara Berbeda dari Pulau Dewata
