Empowering Bali Community Based Tourism

Empowering Communities In Bali and all over Indonesia

Bali Community Based Tourism Association (Bali CoBTA) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable tourism. By facilitating the development of community based tourism villages, tourists are given a unique opportunity to experience local culture and community life, while communities are empowered to earn an additional income by preserving and showcasing their culture and heritage.
This network will then allow the exchange of experiences and information, as well as provide options for tourists

 At the Bali CoBTA we strive to build stronger communities through sustainable tourism

 

 This inauguration is officially signified by the signing of inscription by Tabanan Regent, accompanied by the Head of Department of Culture and Tourism of Tabanan – Mr. Wayan Adnyana and the Chairman of Bali CoBTA – Mr. Djinaldi Gosana.

The Creative Economic and Tourism Ministry plans to develop 561 tourism villages in several provinces in Indonesia during 2014.

According to the People Empowerment Director in the Ministry, Oneng Setya Harini, the first phase of creating the village will be conducted in 19 provinces.

"We will improve the tourism services offered by the area's residents and carry out several training sessions," Oneng said here on Saturday.

 Bali’s local government will set aside an annual budget of Rp 7.5 billion for the development of tourism villages on the island.

“We are targeting to set up 100 tourism villages, with development taking place from 2015 until 2018. We’ve proposed Rp 300 million for each village and there are approximately 25 villages being funded every year. The fund derives from the Bali regional budget,” head of Bali Provincial Department of Tourism, Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, was quoted by Antara as saying.

To realize the plan, Subhiksu has coordinated with local regencies for their support as well as their assistance in selecting the villages.

The plan is a follow up on the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry program to develop over 500 tourism villages across Indonesia in 2014. The project is aimed at helping tourists discover various cultures that Indonesia has to offer.

PINGE TOURISM VILLAGE LAUNCHING CEREMONY

After being proclaimed in 2004, Pinge Tourism Village that is located in Banjar Dinas Pinge, Baru Village, Marga, on Wednesday Jan 30th, 2013 was finally officially launched and inaugurated by Tabanan Regent-Mrs. Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti. Through this official launching of Pinge as community based tourism village, the community hopefully is able to preserve its environment and local culture of Bali.

 Pinge Tourism village is located at “Desa Baru” Marga district at Tabanan regency around 40 kilometers north of Denpasar. The village offers some interesting tourist destinations such as the archeological heritage site “Pura Natar Jemeng”, it is a temple which originates from the 14^th century and is one of the Dang Khayangan temples in Bali said to be used as a meditation place by Ida Dang Acaria.

Sightseeing at Pinge Tourism Village will be a valuable journey as this village offers a beautiful green environment. Trekking at Pacung area will offers you an interesting and memorable view over mount Batu Karu. Another interesting site to visit is the Pinge Waterfall located in the southern tip of Pinge traditional village which can be reached by walking some 300 meters from the road alongside a small river.
Besides these archaeological and natural sites, the village could perform the traditional music “Rindik”, it is a bamboo-made traditional instrument and folk dance “Bumbung Gebyog and Leko” which are a classical traditional Balinese dance scarcely found in other parts of Bali.
The hospitality of the people and the interesting traditions supported by the clean and green environment creates a fresh and unforgettable atmosphere. A visit to Pinge tourism village will definitely be a valuable addition to your travels through Bali.

Pinge Tourism Village that is managed by Pinge Tourism Village Board offered trekking activities, traversing Pacung and Blaluan rice field, homestay rooms, Bumbung Gebyog and Leko traditional Balinese dance. Head of custom (Bendesa Adat) Pinge who is also the chairman of Pinge Tourism Village Board said that sustainability of community based tourism village could be well-maintained by local culture which is based on Tri Hita Karana. He added that Pinge Tourism Village missions are to increase community awareness about the value of their culture, to preserve eco-tourism and community empowerment.

This village provides 27 home-stay rooms to accommodate tourists. The number of tourists visiting the village in 2010 was 1,041 people and rose up to 1,408 people in 2011 and 146 people of them stayed overnight. In 2012, it was recorded that 749 tourists came to explore the village and out of those visitors, 187 guests checked in and stayed overnight.

The chairman of Bali Community Based Tourism Association (Bali CoBTA) who concurrently also serves as the Executive Director of Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board-Mr. Djinaldi Gosana said that Pinge Tourism Village is expected to bring forth benefits for local community without destructing the environment.

The Head of Tourism Authority of Bali Province in his remarks which were read by Head of Assessment and Development-Mr. Ketut Astra stated that Bali’s economic growth is based on 3 sectors, which include agriculture, tourism, and micro and medium enterprises and tourism is the main sector.

Sources : Antara  and COBTA