Sand, Sea and Ceremony: Conflict over the Littoral Public Realm in Sanur, Bali

Abstract

This article is informed by a study of conflicting interests in the use of coastal zones in Bali. The case study is grounded in Sanur coastal area, which is one of the major tourist destinations on the Island. Its significance originated with the development of the Bali Beach Hotel (Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel), a project initiated by President Soekarno, the late Indonesian Founding Father. This article focuses on the dominating influence of tourism on Sanur's development and its overarching concentration on economic gain over social benefit. As a result, this policy has generated social conflicts, including those pertaining to the environment, society as a whole and local culture. Consequently, this paper discusses two fundamental issues, where Sanur coastal area is viewed predominantly as the public realm, and not as a capital to be exploited. First, it examines land use typologies generated by various interests. Second, how economically driven land development has both obscured and degraded environmental, social, cultural, and state interests. In the case of coastal development in Bali, discussion over these two aspects is fundamental. In contrast to other societies, Balinese people regard the beach as a ritually important site. Symbolically, a beach is a place for disposal of waste as well as purification. If Sanur coastal area is to comply with sustainable development principles, it should conserve locally rooted traditions, economic interests, and the environment. Critically, and in conclusion, such concepts must be included in state planning policy governing coastal developments in Bali.