Conservation of Subak to Promote Sustainable Development and Improve the Wellfare of Bali's Farmers

Abstract

This article describes efforts to preserve Subak in the Indonesian province of Bali. Subak is a traditional farmer-owned institution with many functions, including promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and farmer welfare. The existence of Subak is threatened by the significant conversion of rice fields to non-agricultural sectors (settlements, infrastructure, and tourism support facilities). This qualitative study was conducted in six Subak across the island of Bali. Observations, in-depth interviews, and FGDs were employed to collect primary data. The findings of this study indicate that the conversion of rice fields in all of Subak was caused by external demand (from capital owners and the government) and internal needs (farming families needing land for housing). Land use change has varied drastically over the previous 30 years, depending on the commitment of farmers and stakeholders at the village level. Subak Tungkub Dalem reached an agreement with three parties (village’s official, traditional village, and Subak) to prevent rice field conversion, ensuring that rice fields in Kekeran Village, Badung are generally safe. The recommendations are to strengthen Subak regulations in anticipation of high rice field conversion, raise farmer understanding of the necessity of preserving sustainable rice fields, and build an institutional economy that controls business units integrating agriculture and tourism (agrotourism).