Governance of Traditional Arts in Bali from a Historical Perspective Art

Abstract

Traditional art in Bali is a dynamic cultural system and has developed over the centuries through continuous interaction between religious, social and political influences. From an art historical perspective, Balinese art forms—such as sacred dance, gamelan music, sculpture, painting, and ritual performances—not only act as aesthetic expressions, but also as manifestations of spiritual devotion, communal identity, and the socio-political order of Balinese society. This article examines how the governance of traditional arts in Bali developed from the classical Hindu-Balinese kingdom, the Dutch colonial period, Indonesian independence, to the contemporary era marked by globalization and mass tourism. This study uses a historical-cultural approach with literature analysis and contextual interpretation, to explore the role of traditional institutions—such as banjar, Pakraman villages, palaces, and temples—in regulating the production, inheritance, and performance of art based on customary law and religious values. In addition, this article examines how the role of artists underwent a transformation: from ritual servants working for temples and kingdoms, to cultural actors who had to adapt to modern markets and state policies. The results of the study show that even though external forces such as tourism, commodification and state intervention have encouraged innovation as well as the fragmentation of traditional values, the core principles of Balinese art are still maintained through governance that originates from local wisdom. However, the sustainability of traditional Balinese art increasingly depends on inclusive and community-based governance models, which are able to balance the preservation of authenticity and the need for cultural adaptation. This article emphasizes the importance of reflecting traditional Balinese art within the framework of cultural preservation, education and public policy so that it remains alive and relevant for future generations.