RRI.CO.ID, Buleleng - One of Bali’s most celebrated cultural landmarks is stepping into the digital era, as researchers from Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) prepare to roll out an Augmented Reality (AR) digital transformation framework at Penglipuran Tourism Village in Bangli Regency.

The project, titled Smart Sustainable Edutourism, aims to strike a delicate balance between high-tech modernization and heritage preservation. By introducing immersive digital layers onto centuries-old Balinese architecture and traditional customs, the university and local managers hope to elevate visitor engagement without compromising the authentic spatial layout and spiritual identity that made Penglipuran famous worldwide.

The initiative is backed by the Bestari Saintek Program and funded by the Finance Ministry's Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). Lead researcher I Wayan Lasmawan confirmed on Monday, July 20, 2026, that the research team from Bali's premier education university is completing final system refinements ahead of full field implementation and user testing.

I Wayan Lasmawan explained that the AR platform enriches the sightseeing journey by merging real-world village landscapes with interactive digital assets. Through a simple smartphone scan of strategically placed QR codes or location markers, visitors can unlock three-dimensional (3D) models, dynamic animations, historical narratives, audio guides, video documentations, and detailed breakdowns of the philosophical values embedded within every corner of the village.

"Through this technology, tourists do not just visit, but also gain a more interactive learning experience regarding history, traditional architecture, philosophy, and the living cultural values in Penglipuran Village. We want to present a destination management model capable of integrating digital innovation with sustainable cultural preservation," I wayan Lasmawan said on Monday, as quoted by Antara.

I Wayan Lasmawan stressed that the goal is to shift Penglipuran from a passive sightseeing spot into a sustainable educational model where technology directly supports cultural longevity.

Research team member I Wayan Pardi added that the platform serves a dual purpose by equipping village administrators with modern management tools. The ecosystem includes physical QR markers on cultural assets, a real-time visitor density monitoring dashboard, interactive digital maps, a storytelling-based digital catalogue for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and educational media to assist destination guides.

"All features are designed to support more effective destination management while simultaneously improving the quality of information services for tourists," Pardi said.

General Manager of Penglipuran Tourism Village, I Wayan Sumiarsa, welcomed the academic collaboration, noting that data-driven tools align seamlessly with the village’s vision of balancing environmental conservation, cultural integrity, and technology.

"This system has great potential to enhance the tourist experience while assisting managers in making data-based decisions. We hope its implementation can further strengthen Penglipuran's competitiveness as a world-class cultural tourism destination," Sumiarsa expressed.

He noted that data-backed decision-making will help managers regulate daily tourist traffic, protect ancestral homes from overcrowding, and ensure that local micro-businesses benefit directly from the village’s global reputation. ***