BWCC

Illustration (BP/Tomik)

Denpasar - Bali is beset by many problems, leaving its people overwhelmed by anxiety. The high rate of suicide has become one of the indicators.

This is compounded by how easily misunderstandings and offenses occur, often escalating into conflicts that sometimes turn violent and even cost lives.

Researcher from the World Resources Institute (WRI), Ngurah Termana, in a discussion held by LBH Bali on Tuesday (June 10), revealed how anxiety increasingly pervades the lives of Balinese people today. “One example is the worsening traffic congestion that makes people anxious, thinking they will waste much of their time on the road,” he explained.

Public spaces are shrinking due to development that prioritizes investment, particularly tourism. Meanwhile, the cultural obligations of Balinese life, over time, are starting to feel like a burden.

“Culture has become a reinforcement for the dominance of the tourism regime. Ironically, there are hardly any meaningful solutions,” he emphasized.

A similar concern was raised by the Director of the Bali Women Crisis Centre (BWCC), Ni Nengah Budawati. Her observations show that many Balinese women experience severe psychological distress, ranging from domestic violence to cultural traditions that marginalize them.

Budawati also pointed out that many women and children still have very limited access to clean water. “This is happening in Kintamani, very close to where luxury cafés stand to serve tourists’ interests,” she revealed.

The high suicide rate indicates that the psychological burden of the Balinese people is becoming increasingly severe. Ironically, Budawati noted, psychological services in Bali are only available in certain hospitals. Ideally, psychological or psychiatric services should be made available in all healthcare facilities, starting from community health centers (Puskesmas).

“Both Termana and Budawati agreed that anxiety among Balinese people is intensifying. Many problems remain unresolved, while tourism continues to expand, destroying not only nature but also the souls of the Balinese people. (Nyoman Winata/Balipost)