The role of traditional villages in tourism recovery in Bali during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The tourism sector is one of the most affected aspects due to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in Bali. As a community that holds local traditions and wisdom, the role of traditional villages has become very central since the beginning of the pandemic. This article aims to position the role of traditional villages as leading organizations in maintaining local traditions and wisdom, concerning handling the pandemic. The study used qualitative descriptive methods, documentation, and interviews as data collection techniques. The results of the study show that sekala and niskala (the seen and unseen) methods were undertaken to recover the tourism which was paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of sekala and niskala methods indicates the local wisdom of the Balinese people. From the perspective of sekala (nonmental) method, it can be concluded that there are three important points of handling the pandemic as follows: strengthening health protocols (prokes) in the tourist attractions; establishing cooperation between traditional villages and local governments; and providing donations for tourism actors who are affected. Meanwhile, niskala (noetic) method asks humans to pray to the Almighty to be given safety and blessings when they reopen tourist attractions.