The unique dual system of village governance in Bali, consisting of Administrative Villages (Desa Dinas) and Customary Villages (Desa Adat), has long shaped the island’s social, cultural, and political landscape. Recognizing the need to bridge these two entities for more cohesive governance, the Government Science Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Warmadewa, conducted a Community Service Program (Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) in Sayan Village, Ubud District, Gianyar. Carrying the theme ‘Collaborative Governance Based on Tri Hita Karana between Administrative and Customary Villages in Sayan Village,’ the program served as a critical platform for dialogue, reflection, and action to ensure the sustainability of Bali’s traditional institutions amidst modern administrative demands.
The Legal and Cultural Significance of Customary Villages
Professor Dr. I Made Suwitra, S.H., M.H., a professor of law scholar from Universitas Warmadewa, emphasized the enduring importance of customary villages as the last standing indigenous legal communities in Indonesia. Unlike other regions, Bali has successfully maintained its customary governance system through Desa Adat, which operates alongside the formal governmental structures represented by Desa Dinas. Professor Suwitra reminded participants that Desa Adat holds legal recognition under multiple frameworks, including the 1945 Constitution, Law No. 15 of 2023, Law No. 6 of 2014, and Bali Regional Regulation No. 4 of 2019. Despite these recognitions, Desa Adat faces contemporary challenges, especially as tourism, urbanization, and modernization increasingly exert pressure on traditional ways of life.
A critical point raised by Professor Suwitra is that Desa Adat’s governance must embody fairness, transparency, accountability, and active community participation. Beyond legal recognition, Desa Adat serves as a guardian of spiritual and social harmony, guided by Tri Hita Karana—the philosophical principle balancing human relationships with God (Parahyangan), with fellow humans (Pawongan), and with nature (Palemahan). However, Suwitra noted the growing complexities in asserting their autonomous roles due to overlapping authority with Desa Dinas, especially in the context of public service delivery and spatial planning, areas where tourism development often clashes with customary regulations.
Collaborative Governance as a Pathway to Synergy
Building upon this foundation, I Gusti Ngurah Krisna Dana, S.HI., M.A., a lecturer at the Department of Government, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Warmadewa, presented a nuanced framework for collaborative governance rooted in Tri Hita Karana. He argued that the dual system in Bali—often perceived as a source of conflict—can actually be harnessed as a source of strength, provided there is a well-defined collaborative mechanism. He pointed out that decisions emerging from inclusive dialogues between Desa Dinas and Desa Adat would not only enhance the legitimacy of governance but also increase community compliance and trust.
Nonetheless, he also acknowledged significant barriers, including regulatory fragmentation, inconsistent communication, and technological limitations. For instance, while Desa Dinas operates under national village law, Desa Adat adheres to local customary law, resulting in conflicting mandates. Krisna Dana emphasized that addressing these gaps requires deliberate efforts, such as the formulation of integrated regulations that honor both administrative and customary systems. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of capacity-building initiatives for village officials and customary leaders, especially in adapting to technological advancements like digital village administration.
Best Practices in Collaborative Governance: Subak and Waste Management
Krisna Dana illustrated successful instances of collaborative governance through the Subak system—Bali’s traditional water management organization. Subak integrates spiritual, social, and ecological dimensions, regulated through ‘awig-awig’ and collective decision-making processes. This system demonstrates how centuries-old practices can remain relevant in addressing modern-day issues such as agricultural water management, conflict resolution among farmers, and cultural preservation.
Another notable example he presented is the community-based waste management system, where customary laws have been employed to combat environmental issues. Initiatives such as banning single-use plastics in temples, imposing customary sanctions for littering, and creating community-based waste banks are effective models that merge traditional authority with contemporary environmental governance. These models not only address environmental degradation but also reinforce the role of Desa Adat in shaping community behaviors.
Reflections and Community Commitment in Sayan Village
The event drew significant engagement from various community stakeholders, including leaders of both Desa Dinas and Desa Adat, youth organizations, and local activists. Discussions were animated, reflecting a deep collective realization of the importance of integrating both governance systems. Participants shared practical concerns about overlapping authority, the erosion of traditional values amidst tourism expansion, and the need for a common platform to address shared village issues. Dr. I Wayan Gede Suacana, leading the initiative, highlighted the urgency of moving beyond dialogue toward tangible action plans, such as forming joint regulatory frameworks and regular communication forums.
Dr. Suacana emphasized that Sayan Village holds great potential as a model for other Balinese villages facing similar governance dynamics. He reaffirmed Universitas Warmadewa’s commitment to continuous engagement, through research, community service, and advisory roles, to ensure the realization of a collaborative governance model that is inclusive, culturally grounded, and adaptable to contemporary challenges.
This Community Service Program reflects Universitas Warmadewa’s dedication to contributing to sustainable village governance models in Bali, balancing the island’s rich traditions with modern governance demands. As Bali continues to navigate rapid development, fostering collaboration between Desa Dinas and Desa Adat may well be the key to preserving its unique cultural identity while ensuring effective public administration.
