Part 7/13:
Bali’s history is marred by violence and colonial suppression, shaping its complex identity today. The brutal suppression during Dutch conquest in 1906 and the mass killings during the 1965 anti-communist purge left scars on the island's social fabric. These events fostered a collective trauma, influencing how the community perceives external influences and governmental policies.
Today, the preservation of Bali’s cultural and spiritual heritage is challenged by the commercialization of rituals and ceremonies. Many traditional practices are performed for tourists, raising questions about their authenticity. Local communities struggle to maintain their rituals' spiritual significance amid the spectacle-driven tourism industry.