Cultural tourism in Bali has evolved into a strategic sector in regional development, yet it continues to face complex legal and public policy challenges. The Balinese customary communities, with their desa adat system, awig-awig customary laws, and social structures, serve as the backbone of tourism’s success. However, formal state regulations are often not fully adaptive to the dynamics of local culture. This study examines legal issues in the management of customary tourism villages and subak irrigation systems, focusing on four representative areas: Penglipuran Customary Village (Bangli), Tenganan Pegringsingan (Karangasem), Subak Umalambing (Badung), and Subak Sembung (North Denpasar). Tourism management in these areas reveals disparities between state law and customary law. Key issues include the status of customary land, the institutional framework for tourism village management, and the limited involvement of local governments. Through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), legal seminars, and community assistance programs, the study highlights the need to formulate pluralistic and contextual public policies. Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2020 and Minister of Home Affairs Regulation No. 33 of 2009 have yet to provide specific provisions regarding customary-based ecotourism. Therefore, a culturally meaningful legal policy design is required to ensure the sustainability of tourism and protect the rights of indigenous legal communities as the primary stakeholders in culture-based development in Bali.
Astara et al. (Tue,) studied this question.