The dilemma of tourism-based livelihoods: Uncovering the development patterns in southern Bali

This study examines the phenomenon of tourism development in Bali, as one of Indonesia’s most prominent tourism destinations. The concept of gentrification was used to explore the story about how the local community is being displaced due to tourism expansion. Moreover, this study seeks to capture how displacement in gentrified areas is attributed to income inequalities among residents, highlighting the inequitable distribution of tourism benefits. This research is essential as the tourism industry is one of the cornerstones of Indonesia’s economy, and the national government has announced to development of other tourism areas across the country. The primary question addressed is how tourism in Bali impacts the social livelihoods of local communities, while also providing the discussion about the long-term consequences of this development. To capture the complexity of this phenomenon, this study adopts a mixed-methods approach by combining both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data are collected through close-ended surveys and the distribution of tourist accommodation. On the other hand, qualitative data are gathered to provide a deeper understanding from the perspective of local communities. The findings reveal a substantial level of dependency of tourism among local people, as most of the businesses are tied to this sector. However, despite the massive growth of development, it is not necessarily translated into an improvement in the community’s quality of life, as over-reliance creates a high level of vulnerability to internal and external shocks, impacting both short-term and long-term well-being. In conclusion, this study seeks to address whether tourism genuinely benefits the local communities, or merely creates a paradox of development.