Abstract

Slamet Subekti1*, Singgih Tri Sulistiyono1, and Dedi Adhuri2

ForBali is a resistant movement against coastal grabbing in the Benoa Bay, Bali. This movement was coordinated by local actors but mobilized a network of people and institutions from various localities and levels (local, national and international). After six years (2013-2019) of resisting, the movement successfully stop the reclamation project that potentially threatening the integrity of the coastal ecosystem, the socio-cultural life and livelihoods of local communities. The success story of civil society resistant movements is rare cases in Indonesian context. Thus, this case is worth exploring. In so doing, this paper will discuss the actors, strategies and power games involved in the movement. We would argue that one of the important strategies that led to the success of this movement was the mobilization of support from 39 adat villages which, using their politics of indigeneity, played a significant role in expressing their resistant actions in the form of demonstrations and art parade for six years. We would also highlight the role of national and international NGOs in supporting and strengthening the voice and power of this movement. We believe that the network and the mobilization of resources and strategies they possess at hand are the factors that led to the success of this movement.

Key words: Bali, Coastal grabbing, Adat community.

1Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia

2Research Center for Social and Cultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia