Subak: The Terraced Rice Field System of Water and Prayer
Subak: The Terraced Rice Field System of Water and Prayer
Bali's unique irrigation network, sharing water through community agreement.
Supporting Bali's stunning terraced rice field landscapes is 'Subak,' a traditional water management system inscribed on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list. It's more than just irrigation infrastructure; it represents the highly organized farming communities themselves, with over a thousand years of history managing water distribution. Based on the Balinese Hindu philosophy of 'Tri Hita Karana' (harmony among God, humans, and nature), Subak integrates prayers to deities, cooperation within human society, and respect for the natural environment. Through rituals held at water temples (Pura Ulun Danu), farmers express gratitude to the gods and democratically decide on fair water allocation through discussion, considering water availability. The wisdom of the Balinese people, who have built a sustainable society in harmony with nature, is condensed within this Subak system.
Tri Hita Karana: The Philosophy Supporting Subak
Underpinning Subak is the crucial Balinese Hindu philosophy of 'Tri Hita Karana,' meaning 'three causes of well-being.' This concept holds that the world's balance is maintained through three harmonious relationships: harmony with the divine (Parahyangan), harmony among people (Pawongan), and harmony with nature (Palemahan). Subak perfectly embodies this philosophy. Farmers give thanks to God through rituals at water temples (Parahyangan), community members cooperate and democratically distribute water fairly through discussions (Pawongan), and they receive nature's bounty by maintaining and managing the terraced rice field ecosystem (Palemahan). It is believed that when these three harmonies are maintained, the rice flourishes, and the community prospers. Subak is not merely an agricultural technique but a spiritual culture itself.
Water Temples and Rituals: Prayers to the Deities
In the Subak system, water is not just a substance but a sacred gift bestowed by Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and water. Therefore, water management is closely tied to religious ceremonies. 'Water temples' (Pura Ulun Danu) dedicated to the goddess are built near water sources like lakes and rivers, and grand ceremonies are held at key points in the agricultural cycle, such as planting and harvesting. Farmers gather at these temples, offer elaborate offerings (Banten), and pray for a bountiful harvest through Gamelan music and dance. These rituals serve not only as expressions of gratitude to the divine but also as important opportunities for Subak members to convene, discuss upcoming farming schedules, and plan water distribution. The inseparable link between faith and practice is a major characteristic of Subak.
Democratic Water Management by the Community
Subak is managed in a remarkably democratic and rational manner. Each Subak is organized around a leader called the 'Kelian Subak,' and all members are obligated to participate in regular meetings (sangkep). In these meetings, decisions regarding the maintenance and cleaning of canals, pest control strategies, and, most importantly, the rules for water distribution are made based on collective consensus. Those who break the rules may face strict penalties, such as fines or suspension of water supply. Meticulous rules are established to ensure that everyone, whether farming upstream or downstream paddies, receives a fair share of water's benefits. This spirit of thorough mutual assistance (Gotong Royong) and self-governance has been the driving force behind maintaining this complex system for over a millennium.
Contemporary Challenges and Sustainability
Despite its thousand-year history, Subak faces various challenges in modern society. Rapid tourism development leads to the conversion of agricultural land and pollution of water sources, threatening the terraced landscapes. Furthermore, a shortage of successors is becoming a serious issue as younger generations seek employment outside of agriculture. However, the value of Subak as a model for a sustainable society is increasingly gaining attention. In 2012, recognizing its universal value, five terraced regions and their water temples in Bali were inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This signifies that Subak is a precious cultural heritage that should be protected and passed down not just for Bali, but for all humanity. Its philosophy of aiming for coexistence with nature offers crucial insights for solving the environmental problems facing contemporary society.
Overview
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