The Evolution of Cultural Heritage Protection in Bali: What Tourists and Residents Need to Know

Bali is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia but also a true cultural center of Indonesia. Its unique temples, traditional villages, rituals, and agricultural systems are part of a living heritage that the Indonesian government aims to preserve. In this article, we explore how Bali’s cultural heritage protection has developed, what laws are currently in place, and why they matter for both tourists and long-term residents.

Understanding What Constitutes Cultural Heritage in Indonesia

Cultural heritage includes both tangible elements (architecture, sculptures, monuments) and intangible expressions (rituals, craftsmanship, oral traditions). In Bali, this means iconic sites like the Tanah Lot Temple, the Subak irrigation system, or ancient villages such as Tenganan and Trunyan. All of these are protected by national and regional laws.

Legal Framework: Current Regulations

Main Law on Heritage Protection

The key document governing cultural heritage protection in Indonesia is Law No. 11 of 2010 on Cultural Heritage (Undang-Undang Cagar Budaya). This replaced the outdated Law No. 5 of 1992, introducing a more modern regulatory approach.

Key provisions include:

An expanded list of protected objects: monuments, buildings, traditional settlements, archaeological sites, and intangible practices.
A digital heritage registry managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).
The responsibility of property owners and local authorities to safeguard and preserve cultural assets.
Administrative and criminal liability for the destruction, damage, or unauthorized alteration of heritage sites.

Bali-Specific Examples

In Bali, the registry includes notable sites such as:

Temples like Uluwatu and Besakih;
The Subak system and water temples, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage;
The historic center of Ubud and traditional architecture in Jayanegara;
Ancient settlements of Balinese communities.

The Development of Heritage Protection

From Tangible to Intangible

Initially, Indonesian law focused on protecting buildings and artifacts. UNESCO’s 2012 recognition of the Subak system as a cultural landscape marked a shift toward a broader approach, including intangible practices such as religious rituals, communal knowledge, and traditional agricultural techniques.

The Role of Digitalization

Kemendikbudristek is actively developing digital tools to track heritage assets, involving regions—especially Bali—in a unified legal and educational effort.

Community Involvement

Local communities play a key role, especially within the desa adat—autonomous traditional villages. These desa adat are central to preserving the cultural identity and traditions of the Balinese people.

Desa Adat: How Traditional Villages Preserve Themselves

Status and Functions

Desa adat are officially recognized traditional Balinese villages with a certain degree of autonomy. Their legal status is defined in Law No. 6 of 2014 on Villages and reinforced by provincial regulations (Perda) in Bali.

Key characteristics of desa adat include:

Having their own governance systems, including religious leaders (pemangku) and councils of elders;
Preserving and regulating ceremonies, festivals, architectural norms, and community spiritual life;
Managing land and assets within village territory autonomously;
Receiving funding through regional and national cultural preservation programs.

Villages Worth Visiting

Travelers can experience authentic Balinese culture by visiting places such as:

Tenganan Pegringsingan — an ancient village where ancestral laws are still followed, known for its rare double ikat weaving;
Trunyan — a lakeside community near Lake Batur, noted for its unique funeral customs and ancient traditions;

What You Should Know

Desa adat have the authority to establish visitor regulations. Violating religious restrictions, entering temples without permission, or acting disrespectfully can lead to serious repercussions—from warnings to legal action, including police involvement.

Visitor Guide: How to Respect Local Laws and Traditions

While Bali remains one of the most welcoming places in the world, cultural respect is a core part of ethical travel. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Respect sacred spaces: Wear a sarong and sash when entering temples, avoid restricted areas, and do not touch ceremonial objects.
Behave appropriately near temples: Avoid swimsuit photoshoots, loud behavior, and consuming alcohol near shrines.
Do not interrupt ceremonies: Don’t attempt to participate unless invited, and never take pictures without permission.
Follow desa adat rules: Check for posted guidelines or consult a guide before entering a village.

Even seemingly harmless actions—like taking a selfie during a cremation—may be considered deeply offensive.

The Rights and Responsibilities of Foreign Nationals and Bali Residents

Many foreigners live permanently in Bali, holding permits such as a Stay Permit/KITAS (temporary stay) or Permanent Residency/KITAP (permanent stay). Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to heritage laws:

Modifying or demolishing buildings of historical or cultural significance without government approval may violate Law No. 11/2010.
Repurposing traditional structures as hotels, restaurants, or galleries must consider the protected status of such buildings (if applicable).
Collaborating with cultural foundations or participating in restoration projects may be considered for income tax (PPh) benefits if officially recognized.
Another way to contribute is supporting sustainable tourism and local artisan initiatives that safeguard Bali’s heritage.

If you’re unsure about the status of a property or site, consult local authorities or the cultural department in advance.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

Bali’s cultural heritage is a blend of architecture, spiritual practices, lifestyle, and environmental harmony. Preserving this unique culture requires a combined effort—from the government and local people to tourists and foreign residents.

To help Bali maintain its authenticity, remember this simple truth: respect for another culture is respect for yourself.

Let’s preserve, learn, and pass it on—together.