A Legal and Cultural Study Development of The Village: Integration of Nature Conservation and Strengthening Local Culture

Abstract

This study provides a juridical and cultural analysis of the construction of the Genah Pemelisan of Sidakarya Village within the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park (Tahura Ngurah Rai), Bali, as an effort to integrate environmental conservation with the strengthening of local culture. The research addresses two main issues: (1) the conformity of the genah pemelisan construction with positive legal provisions on environmental protection and forest conservation, and (2) the integrative model that can be applied to ensure the preservation of local cultural practices while safeguarding the mangrove ecosystem under the framework of sustainable development. This study applies an empirical legal research method, combining statutory, conceptual, and socio-cultural approaches, supported by literature review and interviews with customary leaders, Tahura management, and government representatives. The findings indicate that, from a legal perspective, the construction of the genah pemelisan is permissible under Law No. 5/1990, Law No. 32/2009, and Government Regulation No. 28/2011, provided that it does not alter the primary conservation function and is carried out with formal authorization. Culturally, the existence of the genah pemelisan is an integral part of the Melasti and Mejukungan rituals, representing a strategic value for Balinese identity. The study recommends a participatory co-management model involving customary villages, government, and Tahura authorities, based on sustainable development principles. This research highlights that cultural preservation and environmental protection are not contradictory, but can be mutually reinforcing through proper governance rooted in law and local wisdom.