Maps as a Solution to Resolve Conflicts and Protect the Customary Territory of Pengotan Traditional Village, Bali

Pengotan Traditional Village is one of the Bali Aga (original Balinese) villages located in Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali Province. This Indigenous Community relies on farming and raising cattle, pigs, poultry, and other livestock traditionally. For agricultural land management, the Indigenous Community cultivates land for dry land cultivation (paddy fields) or dry fields, a Balinese agricultural system called Subak, which involves planting on dry hilly land, usually growing seasonal or annual crops other than rice, citrus fruits, and vegetables. However, in managing their customary territory, the Indigenous Community still faces territorial conflicts due to the lack of maps showing the boundaries of their customary territory.

To address these issues, the Pengotan Indigenous Community initiated participatory mapping in Pengotan Traditional Village, which resulted in the mapping of 1.110,87 hectares of customary territory. As a result, the Pengotan Indigenous Community has a better understanding of customary territory boundaries, management areas, and the social and cultural functions of Pengotan Traditional Village.

In addition, Indigenous Communities also experienced an increase in collective awareness of the importance of protecting and maintaining customary territories as a source of life and shared identity, as well as an awareness of understanding spatial maps as part of Customary Village planning and also preventing boundary conflicts, including formulating efforts to maintain rights to customary territories.

In the mapping process, Indigenous Communities involved various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, women, and youth, which successfully fostered active participation and a sense of ownership of their customary territories. Discussions and deliberations during the mapping process also strengthened communication and understanding among residents regarding the vision and management of customary territorial spaces.

Furthermore, the availability of customary territory maps resulting from participatory mapping provides a sense of security and confidence to indigenous communities. The resulting maps are beginning to be seen as tools for customary village planning, resolving potential territorial conflicts, and advocating for the recognition and protection of indigenous peoples' rights in the future.