Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Bali Subak irrigation system represents a unique agricultural tradition deeply rooted in the island’s culture, particularly in wetland rice farming. This traditional irrigation system is one of the manifestations of Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese Hindu philosophy emphasizing balance between humans and their fellow beings, between humans and nature, and between humans and the Creator.
Recognizing its cultural significance, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Subak as a World Cultural Heritage on June 20, 2012, during its session in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Subak is essentially an intricate irrigation system that channels water from natural sources like rivers or lakes evenly across rice fields. It is considered a fair and equitable system, ensuring that all Balinese farmers receive their rightful share of water. The system is carefully managed by a community leader known as a pekaseh, who ensures that the water is distributed properly according to traditional guidelines.
The Profound Philosophy Behind Subak
For the Balinese, water symbolizes sustainability, purity, and balance, regard as essential elements of daily life. This belief is also the foundation for the Subak system, which adheres to the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of maintaining harmony among humans, nature, and the divine.
Tri Hita Karana consists of three key elements: Parahyangan, Pawongan, and Palemahan. Parahyangan refers to worship at temples located near the Subak system. Pawongan represents the organizational structure that governs the irrigation system. Palemahan refers to the land or territorial ownership within each Subak. These three elements work together to create a sustainable relationship that echoes the principles of balanced development.
Reflecting this philosophy, the Subak system features temples built around the fields, aligning with the Parahyangan aspect. These temples, such as Pura Ulun Carik or Pura Bedugul, are built by farmers to honor Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility and prosperity.
Subak as a Tourist Attraction
Subak has become a cultural image reflected in the agricultural landscape, such as that in Jatiluwih Village, Penebel, Tabanan. Jatiluwih is known for its vast terraced rice fields, covering more than 50,000 hectares, making it the largest Subak system on the island.
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In Jatiluwih, the Subak irrigation system is preserved in its original form, with no concrete structures altering the natural flow of water. The local farmers also maintain traditional rice varieties, such as the indigenous Bali Merah rice, which continues to be cultivated in the terraced fields.
The visual beauty of the terraced rice paddies, alongside the Subak system, makes Jatiluwih a significant attraction for visitors. UNESCO has recognized the area as part of Bali’s cultural landscape, highlighting Subak’s role as a world heritage site.
A Cultural Tourism Village
Since 1993, Jatiluwih’s Subak rice terraces have been designated as a tourist destination. Visitors can experience not only the stunning views but also participate in various agricultural activities alongside local farmers. These activities range from cleaning the fields (nampadin), plowing (ngelampit), leveling the soil (mlasah), planting rice (nandur), to harvesting (sasih sada).
Additionally, Jatiluwih hosts the annual Jatiluwih Festival, which serves as a way for the Balinese to express their gratitude to Dewi Sri, or as the locals call her, Nyi Pohaci Sanghyang Sri. The festival features a variety of traditional performances, including the Rejang Kesari dance, Bungan Sandat dance, Metangi dance, Cendrawasih dance, and Margapati dance, among others.
Subak is more than an irrigation system, it is a reflection of Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It continues to thrive as both an agricultural practice and a living tradition that resonates with the values of sustainability, community, and reverence for nature and the divine.
(Raidi/Agung)
