Tri Hita Karana – The Local Wisdom of the Balinese in Managing Development

Abstract

Tourism has been developed in Bali for more than half a century, and hence it has become an integral part of Balinese culture. In economic terms, tourism is one of the most important contributors to the island GDP and employment. The type of tourism developed is ‘cultural tourism’; hence Balinese culture is directly exposed for tourist consumption. However, in this cultural commoditiza- tion, Balinese culture is conserved and revitalized, and the Balinese people hold their cultural identity firmly. This is associated with the local wisdom subscribed by the Balinese, that life must be in accordance with the changing environment, and that happiness can only be achieved if the life is in balance, a concept locally known as ‘tri hita karana’. Augmented by other concepts taken from their tradi- tions, the Balinese are successful in harmonizing tourism development and cul- tural conservation.