Place-based policies (PBPs) have experienced a notable resurgence in recent years; however, this resurgence is rarely linked to two fundamental reasons: environmental concerns and a growing appreciation of cultural diversity. Using an unlikely case study from a small Indonesian village, this chapter examines the utilisation of a place-based approach that leverages local traditions to promote sustainable rural development and identifies the necessary conditions for more effective place-based strategies. We contend that innovative forms of PBPs are compatible with broader notions of rural development, provided they incorporate dimensions of reappreciation, regrounding, and repositioning. Therefore, the Indonesian case, albeit modest, presents valuable insights into the effective use of PBPs in the Global North. © The Author(s) 2026.