The subak-based agro-tourism management model in the world cultural heritage area of Catur Angga Batukaru Tabanan Regency, Bali province, Indonesia

Abstract

When it was designated as a World Cultural Heritage (WCH) in 2012, there were 14 Subak organizations formed in Catur Angga Batukaru Area. However, it seems that only Subak Jatiluwih has the privilege to experience rapid development as a tourism destination. The other 13 Subak area in Catur Angga Batukaru has not been well developed. The beauty of their rice terraces, plantation fields, temples and rivers has not been appropriately exposed to the tourists. Further studies are required to investigate the potencies of 13 Subak areas in the Catur Angga Batukaru Area as tourism destinations. An adequate management model would properly assess the potencies of these areas and simultaneously enhance the farmers' well-being, improve the tourist satisfaction level and conserve the environment. The existence of the 13 Subak in Catur Angga Batukaru and its potencies should have developed through the agro-ecotourism-based management model. Hence, this study aimed to organize a Subak-based agro-ecotourism management model in the WCH of Catur Angga Batukaru. The study’s primary data were collected from farmers’ respondents through a direct survey using a questionnaire prepared prior to the data collection. In-depth interviews were also conducted to gather the study data. This study applied qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods. Findings revealed that the rest of the areas required to be properly built in the WCH of Catur Angga Batukaru Area. These areas would provide spaces to enjoy the beauty of the Subak terraces and the local plantation fields. Hiking tourism in this area has been developed by the Subak organizations and local travel agents under the surveillance of the local tourism departments. Several tourism supporting facilities such as restaurants and home stays also should have been managed by Subak or local investors. It would help the tourism sites to directly contribute to the well-being of the local community, especially the members of Subak. The future management of agro-ecotourism is also required to involve all Subak organizations in the area. A proper management model not only helps Subak to present themselves as the main subject of a tourism program but also makes them capable to experience the advantageous impacts of the agro-ecotourism development. Key words: agro-ecotourism, Mount Batukaru, rice cultivation, sustainability, Subak, terrace, WCH

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