Indonesia: Balinese Identity and the Arts

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Explore the relationship between religion, fine arts, performing arts, and social organization in contemporary Bali.

Through thematic seminars, field study, independent research, and deep cultural immersion, students scrutinize the current and emerging debates on the future of Balinese culture and society in relation to mounting global pressures such as increased development and international tourism. Students are exposed to a variety of perspectives, including Indonesian and international academics, local writers, artists, and community leaders, through SIT’s extensive in-country networks. Intensive language study of Bahasa Indonesia, which at its beginning levels is among the most accessible of all Asian languages, provides students further access into the life and society of contemporary Bali and Indonesia.

Specific emphasis in this program is placed on traditional and shifting Balinese art forms. Students examine topics including how religious and spiritual rituals of Balinese Hinduism lend themselves easily to artistic representation, and the manner in which new Balinese styles are emerging both from within the community and from external sources.  Throughout the semester, students have unique opportunities to learn Balinese dance, the music of the Balinese gamelan ensembles, mask making, and other local artistic practices alongside well respected masters of their field.

A Study of Cultural Preservation and Adaptation
The 13,000-island nation of Indonesia has long attracted traders and settlers from around the world which, in turn, significantly shaped the country’s cultural composition. The country's long history of societal adaptation continues today as international influences, especially global economic forces, dramatically alter Indonesia’s natural and cultural landscapes.

Today, Bali offers a microcosm of the contending forces and contradictions at play throughout Indonesia. Bali’s economy is largely based on tourism, export handicrafts, and its unique cultural institutions which provide a continuing source of social cohesion. However, Bali’s reputation as an economic safe haven and international tourist destination have brought with it new demographic problems and a rising sense that the Balinese must redefine who they are and what the nature of their participation should be in building the Indonesian state. Decades of tourism have brought serious challenges to Balinese identity.

A predominantly Hindu island in this otherwise Muslim nation, Bali offers students a blend of religious and cultural influences, a rich artistic heritage, and a window into the continued importance of religion and tradition in daily Indonesian life. Throughout the semester, students examine the interaction between traditional Balinese arts and culture, rising economic and political forces, and globalization.