DENPASAR ~

Grand Council of Customary Villages (MUDP) suggested the development of tourism destinations in Bali should pay attention to local knowledge based on the concept of “Tri Hita Karana” or balance and harmony.

“Tri Hita Karana is a universal concept for building a tourism destination that is inseparable from the concept of Balinese (Hindu) that prioritizes local knowledge,” said the Board member of MUDP of Bali Wayan Suarjaya on tourism and cultural discussion themed “New Tourism Destinations having Local Wisdom” in Denpasar on Thursday.

He said the concept has been thoroughly described balance and harmony, between human and God, human and the environment, and human with human.

“Development of cultural tourism in Bali is actually directed to increase the dignity, and strengthen the identity of local communities. In addition to improve the welfare of citizens and the preservation of the surrounding environment,” he said.

He said component of Balinese culture that becomes a potential tourist attraction, covering art, archaeological, historical, the museum, literature and traditions that have been inherent in the lives of the people.

Suarjana also highlighted the tourism development causes a shift in values in public’s life, as well as the fragility of the value of mutual assistance, individual character including sacred values which is shifted.

“To face these challenges, Balinese need to be aware and able to return to the identity in preserving the culture that has been passed down through generations. Those are the steps in order to preserve the culture that attracts tourists to the island,” he said.

Without such efforts, he said, the possibility that local knowledge would be significantly reduced because the value of mutual cooperation, familial or kinship encouraged only to meet economic needs.

“If all the people (Balinese) see tourism from economical perspective, people’s behavior will be judged by the money,” he said.

He said that the persistence of the culture of Bali, because the Balinese Hindus believe all activities are based on yadnya or a sincere offering to God.