Self-Employment in Tourism Business Among Japanese Expatriates in Bali, Indonesia

Migration and Tourism

 

Self-employment in Tourism Business among Japanese Expatriates in Bali, Indonesia

 

Ni Nengah Suartini

 

This study aims to identify the characteristics and motivations of Japanese expatriates establishing their tourism business in Bali, and its impact to local community. Bali as one of the most famous international tourist destination, the number of foreign tourists to Bali is increasing every year. Japan is one of the top five nationalities visiting to Bali and the number of Japanese settlers in Bali is also increasing. As a result of this, there has been increase in the visible presence of Japanese entrepreneurs, particularly in tourism areas. This study is based on fieldwork with a qualitative research approach. Entrepreneurial activity among Japanese expatriates community is studied in four tourism areas in Bali, such as Jimbaran, Kuta, Sanur, and Ubud. The result of this study showed that, 1) The primary reason for migrating to Bali was amenity factors such as tropical climate, myriad of traditional and uniqueness of Balinese culture, natural landscape, and slow pace of life. This also means for them to escape from drudgery of city living in the country of origin; 2) Tourism experience influenced their decision to migrate and kinds of enterprises established in Bali; 3) High involvement of women in self-employment; 4) They recognize the business chance of their area after settling; 5) To maintain a peaceful lifestyle is a higher priority than to extend their business. Entrepreneurial activities among Japanese expatriates community in Bali make a significant contribution towards tourism development, supports local effort for job creations, and deepen mutual understanding between Japanese expatriates and local community.