About the Author: Yusi Pramandari
Putu Yusi Pramandari lahir pada 16 April 1986 “Long Life Education” adalah motto hidupnya yang tercermin dalam dedikasi sebagai pendidik. Building Culture Through Architecture and Economics shares our topics from Talk Radio night with RRI PRO1 Denpasar. Guest speakers Ketut Siandana and Yusi Pramandari. Edited by D.D.Reich
Note From the Editor... We have enjoyed one and a half years of regular community talk nights with RRI Denpasar. Discussing many interesting and relevant topics with friends and guest speakers from diverse walks of life. Learning much from each other. We hope to capture these experiences and perspectives through forthcoming articles, which may in turn reach a broader part of our readership. Inviting a wider community of authors and sources to share their perspectives through our platform.
A Memorable Experience at RRI Pro1 Denpasar: Building Culture Through Architecture and Economics
That afternoon, the atmosphere at Sawidji Gallery felt so warm and familiar. We gathered for a casual talk event regularly held at the gallery, sharing stories and fresh ideas about art, culture, and other interesting topics. Amid the relaxed conversation, suddenly Dian made an unexpected offer—she invited me and Ketut Siandana to be guest speakers at Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Denpasar. “How about we discuss this more on the radio?” she asked enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The proposed theme was also exciting: “Building Culture with Architecture and Economics.” A perfect combination, considering our backgrounds—I’m an academic in economics, and Ketut Siandana is an experienced architect.
Accepting the invitation felt natural, especially given Sawidji’s atmosphere that encourages interesting discussions and constructive exchange of ideas. Sawidji is known as a space where people from various backgrounds—artists, architects, cultural figures, and entrepreneurs—can meet and share perspectives. This time, the discussions in the gallery space would be extended through the RRI Denpasar radio waves.
Collaboration of Architecture and Economics
The collaboration between economic and architectural perspectives is fascinating to explore. As an economist, I’m always interested in examining how the cultural and architectural sectors can drive sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, Mr. Siandana, with his experience in architecture, can provide practical insights into how design and building planning can directly contribute to community economies. How can building design become a catalyst for economic growth? How can local cultural values be integrated into modern development without losing their essence? These questions made us even more enthusiastic to share our experiences and thoughts at RRI Denpasar studio.
Culture is Not Just an Economic Burden: The Perspective of Adam Smith and Growth Theories
The discussion started with a fundamental question: What does it mean to “build culture”? Many people have long viewed culture as a burden on the economy. But this paradigm needs a fundamental shift. In reality, culture can be a powerful driver of economic activity. In classical economic thought, Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations emphasised the importance of specialisation and the division of labour in creating prosperity. However, in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith also acknowledged that social and cultural factors play a vital role in shaping economic behaviour. Culture not only gives identity but also forms what Smith called “moral sentiments,” the foundation of trust in economic transactions.
From the perspective of modern growth theory, especially Paul Romer’s endogenous growth theory, culture can be seen as a form of human capital and social capital that directly contributes to long-term economic growth. Culture creates local knowledge, traditional skills, and social networks that can become sources of innovation and economic efficiency.
Creative Economy
The concept of the “creative economy,” which has grown rapidly in recent years, also demonstrates how cultural assets can be converted into high economic value. Culturally-based creative industries—from art and crafts to cultural tourism—have proven to create significant multiplier effects in local economies. What’s particularly interesting is how culture creates what economists call “positive externalities.” When a community has a strong culture, it not only brings direct economic benefits to cultural industry players but also enhances the area’s appeal for investment, tourism, and the development of other sectors. In the context of Bali, for instance, the strength of Hindu-Balinese culture not only creates economic value through ceremonies and religious rituals but also serves as a key attraction driving the growth of tourism, hospitality, culinary, and various other supporting industries. This is a concrete example of how culture functions as an “engine of growth” in the modern economy.
Temples as Catalysts for Community Economic Development, Increasing Happiness and Work Motivation
One concrete example we discussed was the construction of temples and their impact on surrounding communities. Building temples not only holds spiritual and cultural value but also generates significant economic effects. When a temple is built or renovated, economic activity in the surrounding area increases, from vendors selling offerings, construction workers, to food stalls serving workers and visitors. All of this creates an economic chain that benefits local communities. Refer article Architecture of Spirit.
What’s interesting is how this relates to the happiness index of the people. When communities see their economic conditions improve through cultural activities such as temple construction, it positively affects their level of happiness. A happy community tends to be more motivated in their work and contributions. They realise that the traditions and culture they uphold also provide tangible economic benefits. This creates a positive cycle where culture is preserved, the economy grows, and people’s happiness increases.
Tourism Should Follow Culture, Not the Other Way Around
A key point highlighted in the discussion was the idea that tourism-driven economic growth should follow cultural principles, not the reverse. This is a fundamental paradigm often overlooked in modern tourism development. Too often, we see tourist destinations reshaping local cultures to attract more visitors. Culture is then forced to adapt to market demands, which ultimately erodes the authenticity and uniqueness that should be its main appeal.
Core Principles of Local Culture
Ketut Siandana emphasised the importance of not changing the core principles of local culture. Balinese traditional architecture, for example, has philosophies and rules that have stood the test of centuries. When building for tourism purposes, the challenge is to create modern facilities that still respect these traditional norms. From an economic perspective, this approach creates higher added value. Tourists don’t just come to see beautiful buildings—they come for authentic cultural experiences. When culture is preserved in its original form, its appeal becomes stronger and more sustainable. This results in sustainable economic growth, as it doesn’t destroy the cultural assets that tourism depends on. On the contrary, tourism becomes a way to preserve and strengthen local culture while also bringing economic benefits to the community.
The Skills of Dian and ManButur in Fueling the Discussion
What made RRI Denpasar’s broadcast so memorable was Dian Dewi’s skill in breaking barriers during the discussion. She explained each topic clearly and simply, yet deeply. Her ability to connect various cultural aspects from economic viewpoints, including from a capitalist perspective, made the conversation rich and diverse. She shows us how culture may be seen not just through traditional lenses but also through modern economic thinking. Articulating clearly how cultural values can be integrated into economic systems whilst keeping their essence and integrity in tact. This approach opened new insights into how culture can become a highly valuable commodity in today’s economy in the right way, in a sustainable, balanced social framework.
ManButur’s deep voice also added a vibrancy as he responded to Dian’s comments. They create a relaxing atmosphere, allowing ideas to flow through with ease. The discussion felt natural, not stiff, and truly enjoyable. Radio indeed has its own magic in creating a sense of intimacy between speakers and listeners.
Reflection and Learning
This experience provided valuable lessons about how media can be an effective platform for spreading positive ideas on sustainable development. Through radio discussions, we can explain more complex concepts in relevant ways to a wider community. I hope such discussions will continue and reach more people. Because in the end, true development is that which involves active community participation. Whilst respecting the cultural values already in place.
Special Thanks
Thank you to Dian Dewi, ManButur, Ketut Siandana, and the RRI Pro1 Denpasar team for this valuable opportunity. May our discussion inspire listeners to no longer see culture as a burden. But as a valuable asset for shared progress.
This writing is a reflection on the radio broadcast experience at RRI Denpasar on the theme “Building Culture Through Architecture and Economics.” May it inspire similar discussions in the future.
