Sahid Polytechnic Students Spotlight Bribery and Decline of Bali’s Rice Fields by 12,000 Hectares in Past Decade
Jakarta – The alarming reduction of rice field areas in Bali has been brought to light by students from the Sahid Polytechnic, raising serious concerns about land bribery and the ongoing conversion of agricultural land into commercial and tourism developments.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Bali Province, the rice fields on the Island of the Gods have shrunk by approximately 12,000 hectares over the last ten years. In 2013, Bali had about 81,899 hectares of rice fields, but by 2023 this has decreased to an estimated 69,000 hectares.
Yansen Indiani, a student from the Applied Planning and Development Master’s program at Sahid Polytechnic Tourism, emphasized that the main cause behind this decline is the rapid conversion of rice fields into villas, resorts, and other commercial properties. “The land that was once a vital food source has been repurposed,” Yansen remarked in a written statement received by VOI on August 27, 2025. “Many farmers have sold their land due to high market prices or difficulty competing, which jeopardizes Bali’s food security by increasing dependency on external supplies.”
Another student, Suci Sandi Wachyuni, highlighted the cultural and tourism implications of the dwindling rice fields. He noted that rice fields are a significant part of Bali’s cultural identity and a major attraction for tourists. “The Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolize sustainable agriculture,” Suci pointed out. “If this trend continues, Bali may lose its agrarian tourism appeal.”
Further compounding concerns, Kadek Wiweka drew attention to the ownership of lands by foreign nationals. Citing data from the Regional Office of the National Land Agency (BPN) Bali, Kadek explained that 463 plots in Badung Regency are controlled by foreigners under the Right to Use scheme. “This right can last up to 80 years, and nominee practices are frequently used to circumvent ownership restrictions,” he said.
While acknowledging the economic benefits brought by tourism, the students questioned whether these benefits are equitably shared with local communities. The developments, they argued, often marginalize farmers, reduce access to clean water, and erode Bali’s agrarian culture.
In response to this crisis, the students proposed several measures:
- Tightening local government land zoning policies to prevent unchecked conversions
- Imposing additional taxes on rice field conversions to dissuade speculative sales
- Providing incentives to farmers who maintain productive agricultural land
- Encouraging the tourism industry to develop agro-tourism programs and form partnerships with local farmers
Yansen underscored the importance of simple but impactful actions: “Directing tourists to rural villages, prioritizing local products, and educating the younger generation about the farming profession can sustain the farming community.”
The Sahid Polytechnic students stressed that saving Bali’s rice fields goes beyond agriculture: it is about preserving the island’s identity, ecological balance, and future prosperity.
As Bali continues to balance development and tradition, these voices remind stakeholders of the critical need to protect the island’s agricultural heritage.
Note: The original statements and data were sourced from reports by the Bali Central Statistics Agency and student testimonies from Sahid Polytechnic Tourism.
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