Bali Government and MDPI Push for Formation of Bendega Institutions in Karangasem
- July 25, 2025
by M. A. Indira Prameswari
Seventy-two fishers, local officials, and academics gathered in Karangasem, Bali, for a multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at strengthening traditional marine institutions. The dialogue was organized by Marine and Fisheries Agency of Bali, with support from MDPI.
The forum agreed to establish Bendega—a traditional fisherfolk institution—in Karangasem. This institution is expected to strengthen the position of small-scale fishers and help them address existing challenges and the preservation of local traditions.
“Bendega is part of our customary village structure. We’ve had a regulation since 2017, but Karangasem hasn’t implemented it yet. This is an important and positive step forward,” said Nyoman Siki Ngurah, Head of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries Agency Karangasem.
Why Karangasem Needs Bendega: Social Conflicts and Customary Governance
Despite their close ties to the sea, fishers in Karangasem often face barriers in accessing and managing coastal space. The dialogue addressed key issues: unresolved land-use conflicts, overlapping claims with tourism businesses, and the absence of formal institutions to defend fishers’ rights.
Many fishers still struggle to find space for their vessels, especially in coastal buffer zones. We need proper data and clear reporting mechanisms—someone to turn to, and someone who can protect us,” said Wayan Koat Tiarta, a fisher from Antiga Kelod Village who currently leads an informal Bendega community.
Beyond solving spatial conflicts, the creation of Bendega institutions also aims to restore ecological balance and cultural identity. The initiative draws inspiration from Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese philosophy rooted in harmony among people (pawongan), nature (palemahan), and the divine (parahyangan).
“The concept is similar to ‘Subak’ in agriculture. Each Bendega will be anchored by a local Pura Segara (sea temple) and can encompass multiple fisher associations or cooperatives,” explained Nengah Manu Mudita, chair of HNSI Bali.
Bringing the 2017 Bendega Regulation to Life
Bali’s regional government passed a regulation on institutionalizing Bendega back in 2017, but adoption has been slow and uneven. Some areas, like Badung, have used Bendega to mediate between fishers and tourism operators. Karangasem, however, has only now begun its journey toward implementation.
Through this regulation, fishers gain stronger integration into village governance and improved access to regional funding. These funds can support various needs—from public infrastructure to religious ceremonies and sustainable fisheries management.
Bendega: Built by Communities, Not Just Policies
The Bendega model relies on a bottom-up process—starting with fishers and moving upward through village and district administrations. Typically, one Bendega is linked to a specific Pura Segara and represents several local fisher groups.
Registration begins at the village level and moves through the district marine and fisheries office. Strong collaboration among local government, customary institutions, and community leaders is essential for sustainable governance, both administratively and operationally.
Bendega: Reflecting Bali’s Coastal Identity
In Bali, Bendega is not just a term for fishers. It represents an entire coastal way of life, with responsibilities that go beyond livelihoods—maintaining spiritual practices, protecting marine resources, and preserving ancestral customs.
“As we understand it, there are times when fishers voluntarily refrain from fishing during specific days, a practice known as Nyepi Segara. This aligns with sustainability values, allowing nature time to restore fish stocks,” said Yasmine Simbolon, Executive Director of MDPI.
The dialogue reflects growing momentum to strengthen fisher communities and institutionalize their role in managing Bali’s coasts. The first official Bendega institutions in Karangasem are expected to be inaugurated by the end of 2025.