Governing the Street Space Contestation and Conflict Through the Empowerment of Indigenous Community in Bali- Indonesia

Abstract

Nowadays, the city is challenged by more complex problems in the economic, social, cultural and political sector. One of the problems reflected on scarcity of urban space in correlation with unbalanced population growth, uncontrolled urban street vendor, limited resources, and environmental degradation. The top-down governance approach often encounter difficulties in directing social movement in accordance with recent policies by rejection or inability to manage communities then the social conflict is potentially arisen. It is reflected in the increased tension of space contestation on street space following its economic value. A Street has been commodified or commercialized as a privatized rental space for parking, street vendor and other individual activities. Thus, who has the authority to exploit economical gain towards the street as public space? Is it private sector, community, or municipality? Who will manage the actors who control a certain segment of the street? Who will gain the lost and advantage and guarantee that its justice? It will definitely need an active actor who capable to apply good governance and justice in street space contestation, when the local municipality with its fix, passive and procedural administrative difficult to manage street activities. In this paper, the role of Bali’s indigenous community is evaluated in relation with its unique capability to control street space in their territory. With its local wisdom, active communication and cooperation to all urban actors, coordination and leadership can contribute a positive result in street activity management and minimizing horizontal conflict.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p56