Sahid Polytechnic Students Highlighted The Bribery Of Bali Rice Fields Up To 12,000 Hectares In One Decade

Illustration of rice fields in Bali/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA The shrinking of rice fields in Bali is increasingly worrying amid the rapid development of the tourism sector. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Bali Province noted that in the last ten years, the area of rice fields on the Island of the Gods has decreased by around 12,000 hectares. Of the 81,899 hectares in 2013, there are now around 69,000 hectares remaining in 2023.

This phenomenon is a serious concern for students of the Master's Master's Master's Study Program Applied Planning and Development of Polytechnic Sahid Tourism. Yansen Indiani, one of the students, said that the conversion of rice fields into villas, resorts, and commercial properties was the main trigger for the shrinking.

The land that used to be a food source has now changed its function. Many farmers sell their land because of high prices or difficulty competing. This has an impact on Bali's food security, which is now increasingly dependent on supplies from outside the region," said Yansen, in a written statement received by VOI, Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Another student, Suci Sandi Wachyuni, highlighted the cultural and tourism sides that were also affected. According to him, rice fields are not only food sources, but also part of Bali's identity and tourist attraction.

The most frequent Jatiluwih which is a UNESCO world heritage is a symbol of sustainable agriculture. If the rice fields continue to decrease, the charm of Bali's agrarian tourism can be lost," he said.

Meanwhile, Kadek Wiweka added that the practice of land ownership by foreign nationals (WNA) was also a concern. He gave an example, the Regional Office of the National Land Agency (BPN) Bali noted that 463 plots of land were controlled by foreigners through the Right to Use scheme, especially in Badung Regency. "This right to use can be valid for up to 80 years, and the practice of nominees is often carried out to get around the rules of ownership," he said.

Although tourism provides economic benefits, these students question the distribution of its benefits. They assess that many developments do not involve local communities, marginalize farmers, reduce clean water availability, and erode agrarian culture.

As a solution, the three of them encourage local governments to tighten land zoning policies, impose additional taxes on conversion of rice fields, and provide incentives to farmers who maintain productive land. The tourism industry is also expected to play a role through agro-tourism programs and partnerships with local farmers.

"Simple steps such as directing tourists to tourist villages and prioritizing local products can help. Education for the younger generation is also important so that the farmer profession remains in demand," Yansen added.

The Sahid Polytechnic students confirmed that the rescue of the Balinese rice fields was not only about agriculture, but also about maintaining the island's identity, ecosystem, and future.