BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, I Gde Sumarjaya Linggih, has urged the government to provide compensation for farmers whose land is designated as Protected Rice Fields (Lahan Sawah Dilindungi/LSD).

The Golkar politician, widely known as Demer, proposed compensation worth three times the value of farmers’ harvest income as an incentive to preserve agricultural land in Bali.

“For example, if a farmer earns Rp10 million from harvests, then give them Rp30 million so they will continue maintaining their rice fields,” Demer said.

The Chairman of Golkar Bali argued that farmers who preserve rice fields are indirectly supporting Bali’s tourism sector, as agricultural landscapes remain one of the island’s major attractions.

According to him, government policies aimed at protecting rice fields should not stop at tax exemptions alone, but must also include direct economic incentives for farmers.

Demer highlighted the growing pressure faced by farmers as land prices continue to soar due to the rapid development of villas and tourism facilities across Bali.

“Villas are being built nearby, land prices are skyrocketing, while farmers are asked to keep their rice fields without adequate compensation. That is unfair,” he said.

He warned that the situation could widen social inequality in Bali, with many local residents eventually choosing to sell their land because agricultural income can no longer keep up with the rising cost of living.

Demer also criticized what he described as the weak agricultural ecosystem in Bali, citing unresolved issues such as fertilizer distribution, crop protection, and limited market access for local agricultural products.

“If we truly want to preserve agriculture, then the ecosystem must be seriously developed. It cannot be just about banning land conversion,” he stated.

In addition, Demer stressed the importance of more balanced development across Bali so that economic growth is not concentrated solely in the southern part of the island.

He warned that unequal development could threaten the sustainability of Bali’s traditional culture and customs.

“The strength of Bali lies in its traditions and culture. If local communities continue to be marginalized by uneven development, that is dangerous,” Demer said.