By conducting a comparative study of Bali and Ifugao, the authors analyze how local heritage leaders navigate the interplay between heritage preservation, economic development, and the challenges of modernization, particularly those arising from agricultural heritage tourism. Their findings reveal the intricate nature of these intermediation processes and highlight the evolving roles of local intermediaries within the Regulation-Intermediaries-Target (RIT) Model.

The authors demonstrate that Bali’s kelian and pekaseh, alongside Ifugao’s tonong and mumbaki, are facilitators of agricultural practices and custodians of cultural heritage, adeptly managing the balance between modernity and tradition. Furthermore, their research demonstrates how Indigenous intermediaries adapt to shifting governance dynamics, which are shaped by both formal and informal structures, influencing resource flows and community engagement.

This study contributes to the intermediation literature by revealing the limitations of conventional frameworks in addressing the complexities of informal intermediation. The results underscore the necessity for a nuanced understanding of intermediaries, acknowledging their dynamic, ambiguous, and contested roles in heritage governance. Ultimately, the authors advocate for a more integrated approach that recognizes the vital role of Indigenous intermediaries in managing cultural landscapes amid contemporary challenges.