Revealing the Economic Challenges on Adaptive Sacred Water Management in Balinese Community

This study discusses the economic challenges that local communities face when managing water sources with ritual or sacred purposes, with a focus on the Balinese case study, especially in the SARBAGITA area. This study uses qualitative analysis to investigate the Balinese interpretation of adaptive water management of sacred water resources. According to the results of the analysis, the economic challenges of managing sacred water sources in the Balinese community are influenced by unsuitable governance systems and the economic power of the tourism industry, both of which interact to affect declining water resource quantity and quality. Meanwhile, the Balinese community relies heavily on water for religious practices. Decision-making by customary representatives is required because adaptive management is manifested in indigenous peoples through local wisdom. Understanding traditional water knowledge and values is critical for overcoming economic challenges and accomplishing effective water resource management.