Heritage governance in Bali and Ifugao ricescapes: exploring the dynamic roles of Indigenous intermediaries in cultural preservation and development

This article examines the impact of informal intermediaries on heritage governance within Southeast Asia’s indigenous rice-farming communities. By conducting a comparative study of Bali and Ifugao, we analyze how local heritage leaders navigate the interplay between heritage preservation, economic development, and the challenges of modernization, particularly those arising from agricultural heritage tourism. Our findings reveal the intricate nature of these intermediation processes and highlight the evolving roles of local intermediaries within the Regulation-Intermediaries-Target (RIT) Model. We demonstrate that Bali’s kelian and pekaseh, alongside Ifugao’s tonong and mumbaki, are facilitators of agricultural practices and custodians of cultural heritage, adeptly managing the balance between modernity and tradition. Furthermore, our research demonstrates how Indigenous intermediaries adapt to shifting governance dynamics, which are shaped by both formal and informal structures, influencing resource flows and community engagement. This study contributes to the intermediation literature by revealing the limitations of conventional frameworks in addressing the complexities of informal intermediation. Our results underscore the necessity for a nuanced understanding of intermediaries, acknowledging their dynamic, ambiguous, and contested roles in heritage governance. Ultimately, we advocate for a more integrated approach that recognizes the vital role of Indigenous intermediaries in managing cultural landscapes amid contemporary challenges.