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Pak Tjok Agung
Pemayun known as Pak Tjok is developing programs in his
village of Pejeng to build the local economy and community in
ways that are sustainable and not dependent on tourism. After
the terrorist bombings in 2002 and 2005, the Balinese economy
has struggled, especially in areas outside of the main tourist
centers. Pejeng is one of the oldest inhabited parts of the
island and tourists do come to visit the old temples and
archaeological sites, but it doesn’t receive the overwhelming
visitation and tourist money like nearby Ubud.
Pak Tjok has
offered land near a temple in the center of the village for
visitors to come and support local programs for reforestation,
organic agriculture, education and other community projects. A
large focus is growing natural dyes such as indigo for Pak
Tjok’s well-known batik studio where he employs several
villagers to make beautiful batiks with these all natural
dyes. They are currently seeking funds to finish a building
that will house a library, computer, and rooms for visitors
who can teach english or other skills as they learn about
batik and help with the other projects
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