To Save Our Family’s Ancestral Land

This article has been written from the perspective of Pande I Putu Tomy Verawan, Co-Founder DNI kindly published here with the support of Bali News and Robert Ian Bonnick.

If you’ve been to Bali in the last few years, you’ve probably seen it, new villas rising in key hotspots, rice fields being filled, old family compounds giving way to modern developments. It’s a sign of progress, but also a quiet warning. Behind the beauty and growth, many local families are fighting silent battles to hold on to what’s been their sanctuary, their home, for generations.

When COVID hit and the island’s tourism economy collapsed, those battles became even harder. With over 80% of Bali’s economy dependent on tourism, the sudden stop left many people without income for months, even years.

For some, they made the tough choice to take loans against their land often their only asset and the last link to their ancestors.

That’s what happened to us.

My father, Bapak Ketut, took on a loan against the family land, to acquire additional agricultural land for producing more income. He then paid his neighbour for the land which required a change of title. The neighbour never held up the deal and took off with the money. We could take legal action but it wouldn’t produce the land title nor the reimbursement of the money.

Not being able to work – due to the pandemic, the transaction not completed and the money lost my father fell into a negative spiral as interest on the loan also started piling up.

After years of trying to make things right, my father faces a final deadline that will cost us the ancestral land and the heritage that bonds us to our ancestors.

I’ve watched my father grow thin from stress and worry. He’s been in and out of the hospital, even had surgery, but his biggest pain isn’t physical. It’s the shame and helplessness of feeling like he’s failed to protect our family’s legacy.

For us, this land is more than property. It’s where ceremonies are held, where prayers are offered, and where stories of our lineage live. Losing it would mean losing a piece of who we are.

That’s why we’ve decided to act.

Through Dharma Ninja Imports (DNI) the social enterprise my wife Tangelina and I founded we’re working to not only protect our family’s land but to use this moment to create awareness about other Balinese families facing similar struggles.

DNI was created to preserve culture through art connecting Bali and Nepali master artisans with global audiences. Every handcrafted piece carries not just beauty, but meaning: a way to keep traditions alive and artisans thriving.

Now, through The Dharma Sari Community Arts Center, we want to extend that impact further. Our goal is to raise $65,000 by December to secure the land, build a sustainable cultural space, and empower more families to protect their heritage.

There are a few simple ways to help:

Donate directly to our land preservation fund https://www.dharmaninjaimports.com/donation
Purchase artwork through Dharma Ninja Imports – each sale directly supports this campaign
https://www.dharmaninjaimports.com
Join our Hidden Gems of Bali Retreat, an immersive experience where visitors can engage with local culture, connect with artisans, and contribute to real impact https://shorturl.at/hv34S

This isn’t just about my family. It’s about protecting the soul of Bali – the connection between people, culture, and the land that sustains them. The island’s beauty has always come from this harmony, and it’s up to us locals and supporters alike to ensure it endures.

If you’ve ever felt the magic of Bali, this is your chance to give back in a meaningful way.

Together, we can make sure that our stories, our culture, and our ancestral lands continue to live on for generations to come.

Come in-person to SpeakuP Monday – Destination Indonesia episode 498 and meet Tomy on Monday, 27th October 6:00 PM at Tropical Nomad Canggu (No RSVP or membership)_