JATILUWIH, Bali — In a move to resolve a dispute threatening the harmony between tourism, tradition, and local livelihoods, farmers in Bali’s famed Jatiluwih rice terraces have begun removing controversial plastic sheets and metal tarpaulins from their fields.
This action follows direct talks with local government officials, who have pledged to develop a special “moratorium” policy for community-based enterprises within the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The iconic green vistas of Jatiluwih, celebrated for their ancient subak irrigation system and breathtaking terraced landscape, had recently been marred by makeshift stalls and covers erected by farmers.
The Tabanan Regency government initially sealed these structures, citing violations of zoning regulations and a threat to the area’s visual and cultural integrity. However, the strict enforcement created significant hardship for local families dependent on selling snacks and refreshments to tourists.
Acknowledging the complex social and economic factors at play, Tabanan Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya met with community leaders on Monday.
“The issue in Jatiluwih must not be viewed solely from a legal perspective but also by considering all aspects, starting from cultural, social, and economic aspects of the local community,” Sanjaya stated during the meeting.
The government’s proposed solution is a formal moratorium—a temporary, special policy allowing carefully regulated, non-permanent local vending. In return, farmers like Nengah Darmika Yasa, who had his stall sealed, agreed to immediately dismantle the unsightly structures.
“We express our gratitude to the Tabanan Regency Government for giving the green light to keep trading and supplement our family income,” Yasa said, overseeing the removal of approximately one hundred sheets of corrugated metal from his land.
Officials emphasized that any future structures must be non-permanent, use natural materials, and not disrupt the iconic agricultural landscape. “The essence is not with concrete or permanent structures that ruin the rice field landscape,” Sanjaya explained.
The goal is a sustainable compromise where tourism supports, rather than compromises, the living cultural heritage of the terraces, ensuring the community benefits while preserving the scenery that draws global visitors.
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