ABSTRACT
Modernizing processes in Bali, Indonesia, have led to heavy pressure on local water resources. Agricultural intensification known as the ‘Green Revolution’, and the extensive expansion of mass tourism, became part of a distinct political programme for national economic growth under the authoritarian presidency of General Suharto in 1966–1998, which led to dramatic changes in local water use (Hardjono 1991; Lansing 1987, 1991). At present Bali struggles with water shortages, especially in the densely-populated tourist areas of the southern plains, as well as with polluted streams and water bodies (e.g. Cole and Browne 2015). Water in the natural environment, which is central to Bali’s irrigated wet rice economy, is also an integral part of ritual activities and is worshipped for its vitalizing and purifying qualities (Geertz 1972; Hooykaas 1964; Lansing 1991; Ottino 2000).
