ASIATODAY.ID, BALI – Subak, which is better known as an ancient irrigation system used in Bali, Indonesia, has been designated as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The concept of Subak is not only related to irrigating rice fields, but also reflects the teachings of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and God. This principle is relevant to sustainable agriculture because it integrates social, religious, and environmental aspects in agricultural practices.
Viewed from the context of sustainable agriculture, Subak shows how agricultural systems can work together with nature while maintaining sustainability and productivity. Subak is very important for distributing water fairly between farmers during the dry and rainy seasons. In addition, this system shows a culture of cooperation and environmental preservation, which are part of the culture. Bali. The Subak sustainable agriculture concept offers a model that can be applied in various regions to create a more balanced and sustainable agricultural system, which prioritizes ecosystem health and community welfare in addition to yields.
Wayan Windia in an article entitled “Sustainability of Subak Irrigation System in Bali” published in 2010 stated that the existence of this irrigation system has been known since 1071 AD and still exists today. This can happen because Subak significantly and consistently applies the philosophy it adheres to, namely Tri Hita Karana (THK).
Subak greatly influences the sustainability of Balinese agriculture. Subak allows for fair and effective distribution of water, which is especially important during the dry and rainy seasons. Subak is an example of a socio-agrarian farming system that combines social, religious, and economic elements. This concept helps ensure that all farmers have sufficient access to water resources for irrigation. This strategy creates strong communities where farmers work together to achieve common goals. Subak on the other hand supports environmental conservation and biodiversity because this system encourages the use of environmentally friendly agricultural practices and helps maintain ecosystem balance. Subak can increase farmers’ economic capacity and encourage agribusiness innovation by managing economic and legal business units at the farm level.
Subak is following participatory irrigation management policies, which involve farmers actively in managing water resources. This ensures that decisions are made in line with the community’s wants and needs. Although Subak has many benefits, there are contemporary challenges such as the growth of tourism and water privatization, which may affect the sustainability of the system. Therefore, it is important to strike the right balance between contemporary economic needs and Subak conservation.
Subak is a real manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which is a principle of Balinese life that emphasizes the harmonious relationship between three main elements: humans, nature, and God. The relationship between humans and God is characterized by its integration with the sanctuary, which functions as the center of the water management system. This temple or holy place not only functions as a place integrated with irrigation but also as a place of worship, combining agricultural and spiritual aspects. Subak is run by a community of farmers in Bali who work together to manage water resources and agricultural land, creating harmonious social relations. This phenomenon shows strong social principles and helps build sustainable communities which are part of efforts to build harmonious relationships between people. The Subak irrigation system ecologically maintains even water distribution, avoids waste, and supports biodiversity by maintaining ecosystem balance.
This evidence shows that humans respect and protect nature, which is a form of good relationship between humans and nature. According to R.A. Risna and friends in an article entitled “Subak, a Nature-based Solutions Evidence from Indonesia” published in 2022, Subak’s philosophy “Tri Hita Karana” (three causes of prosperity) has become the basis for Subak members to practice sustainable agriculture. Its institutions and operational practices have proven to be a good example of cultural management of ecosystem services.
Subak is not just an irrigation system, but a symbol of strong social principles and strong community collaboration. Each Subak group usually manages the same water source and works together to ensure that each rice field gets a sufficient share of water. This shows strong social principles, where each member is responsible for water use and helps each other in the irrigation process. The Subak organization is a democratic organization because decision-making in Subak is made through deliberation to reach a consensus, where every member has the opportunity to vote and participate. This condition shows the principles of democracy and egalitarianism, where every member is respected and decisions are made for the common good. Subak on the other hand is part of the development of education and preservation of culture, because Subak ensures that cultural heritage and sustainable agricultural practices are preserved and developed by teaching traditional values and agricultural knowledge to the younger generation.
Subak as an irrigation system recognizes that humans depend on nature and natural resources. This view reflects an ontological understanding that the reality of agriculture is not only limited to physical aspects but also involves human relationships with nature and the environment. The concept of Subak as a traditional knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a form of epistemological value. This means that local knowledge and empirical experience are considered valid and important data sources for natural resource management. Subak not only concentrates on production efficiency but also justice and social harmony. This is demonstrated by axiological values where justice, harmony, and balance are considered important in managing resources and social relations. Regarding water distribution, Subak applies the principles of commutative and distributive justice, where each member receives rights by the condition of the land. This policy reflects the value of justice in the philosophy of science, which emphasizes the importance of resources being distributed evenly and fairly. Subak knowledge as local wisdom reflects the integration of knowledge, values , and practices that develop in Balinese society. Characterizes how the philosophy of science can be realized in sustainable daily life practices that focus on community welfare.
The uniqueness and complexity of Subak as an ecosystem lies in its ability to combine spiritual, social, and ecological aspects in managing water resources and agricultural land, as well as maintaining the balance and sustainability of the agricultural system in Bali. Subak has a complex social organizational structure, with a leader (Kelian Subak), customary rules, and a system of cooperation between members. Designed to maintain ecological balance, taking into account aspects of soil fertility, pest control, and biodiversity conservation. The Subak ecosystem consists of many interrelated parts, such as forests that protect water sources, terraced rice fields that form beautiful landscapes, water channels that connect rice fields with dams, tunnels, and sluice gates, as well as villages where farmers live. Because Bali’s mountainous topography makes irrigation very difficult, water resources must be managed carefully. Even on difficult mountain terraces, Subak allows effective irrigation of rice fields.
Over the centuries, Subak has demonstrated the ability to survive and adapt. Subak remains an effective and sustainable irrigation system despite facing contemporary challenges such as tourism growth and socio-economic changes. This ecological evidence is in line with the views of Putu Doddy Heka Ardana and friends as outlined in the article entitled “The Role of Bali’s Traditional Subak Farming System in the Preservation of Natural and Cultural Resources” published in 2024, where it is stated that the Subak system plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and soil health in the Balinese landscape. In addition, the Subak system has deep cultural significance, functions as a spiritual anchor, fosters community cohesion, and preserves cultural heritage.
Regarding agricultural land use, Subak encourages farmers to use agricultural land sustainably, preventing the conversion of land to other uses. Agricultural practices regulated in Subak maintain soil fertility and prevent land degradation. The Subak system supports biodiversity through environmentally friendly agricultural practices, such as the use of organic fertilizer and natural pest control. The existence of water channels, terraces, and vegetation around rice fields creates a habitat for various species of flora and fauna. Subak regulates planting patterns and crop rotation so that it can reduce pest and disease attacks naturally. Excessive use of chemical pesticides can be minimized in the Subak system. Subak allows farmers to adapt to climate change through flexible water management, cropping patterns, and agricultural practices. The integrated Subak system helps maintain food security and the resilience of the agricultural ecosystem in Bali. This system is a model for holistic and sustainable natural resource management.
The Subak concept as a holistic and sustainable traditional irrigation system plays an important role in achieving various sustainable development goals, especially in the fields of food security, water resource management, clean energy, village development, and environmental conservation. Subak supports the productivity and sustainability of rice farming so that it can meet the food needs of the Balinese people. A fair and efficient water distribution system ensures the availability of water for agricultural irrigation. Effectively regulate irrigation water distribution, maintaining the availability of clean water for agricultural and household needs. The Subak water channel system also functions as a good drainage system. An agricultural landscape that is integrated with the surrounding environment in Subak supports the sustainable development of villages. Subak’s system of cooperation and social organization strengthens social cohesion in society. Regarding support for life on land, Subak conserves biodiversity through environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The Subak irrigation system prevents land degradation and supports the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
Subak not only has an impact on economic and environmental aspects, but also has a significant social impact on Balinese society, such as increasing social cohesion, preserving culture, empowering society, and encouraging gender equality. Subak’s system of cooperation and social organization strengthens ties and solidarity between community members. Joint activities in Subak strengthen social relations at the village and community levels. Subak’s organizational structure provides opportunities for the community to be involved in decision-making and water resource management. This encourages community participation and empowerment at the local level. In several aspects of Subak, women have equal roles and positions with men. This contributes to increasing gender equality in Balinese society. The role of women in the Subak system is not only as implementers but also as decision-makers and holders of traditional knowledge which is important for the sustainability of traditional irrigation systems in Bali.
Women play an important role in carrying out traditional rituals and ceremonies related to Subak. This role maintains the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Subak system. Women have deep traditional knowledge of agricultural practices, water management, and the local wisdom of Subak. This knowledge is inherited and applied in Subak’s daily activities. Women play a role in managing the farmer’s household economy, including the use of agricultural products from Subak. Women’s contribution to the household economy supports the sustainability of the Subak system.
Facing the modern era, the Subak system in Bali faces several challenges as well as opportunities in its conservation efforts. Modernization and changes in the lifestyle of the Balinese people can shift the traditional values of Subak. Urbanization and conversion of agricultural land are threats to the existence of the Subak system. The next challenges include pollution, ecosystem damage, and climate change which can disrupt the balance of the Subak irrigation system. These challenges can hamper water availability and agricultural productivity. The lack of interest of the younger generation to be involved in Subak activities can threaten the sustainability of this system. The regeneration and transfer of traditional knowledge is an important challenge. The existence of different economic and political interests can trigger conflict in the management of Subak. This can disrupt harmony and cooperation between Subak members.
Meanwhile, UNESCO’s recognition of Subak as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012 can increase conservation efforts and government support. The potential for Subak culture-based tourism can encourage the preservation of this system, where tourism can provide economic incentives for the community to maintain Subak. Increasing public awareness, both locally and globally, about the importance of Subak can encourage conservation efforts, where community support can strengthen the sustainability of the Subak system. Wijayanti and friends in their article entitled “Sustainable development model of subak in Denpasar City” published in 2020 stated that internal agreements between Subak members through awig-awig or customary law are equally important in controlling changes in agricultural land use. This is the consequence of Subak’s sustainability. This view is reinforced by the opinion of I.G.A. Purnamawati in an article entitled “Maintain the Economic Activity of Subak in Social and Environmental Transformation” published in 2022 stated that economic sustainability and social capital have a positive and significant influence on the sustainability of traditional irrigation management in Bali.
As a system that has been proven effective in maintaining environmental and social sustainability, Subak offers inspiration for agricultural practices throughout the world. Adopting Subak principles in sustainable agricultural practices globally amidst global challenges, such as climate change, environmental degradation, and food uncertainty requires proven and sustainable solutions. Subak, a Balinese cultural heritage that has survived for centuries, offers valuable lessons about strategies for living and farming in a way that is more harmonious with nature. Subak teaches the importance of fair and sustainable water management. By sharing water resources equally, each farmer gets what they need to farm. This is a principle we must apply everywhere, ensuring that water, as a source of life, is managed wisely and fairly.
Subak is not just about irrigation; it’s about community. Farmers in Bali have created a system that supports each other. Let’s build our agricultural community with the same spirit, where every member feels supported and the values of cooperation are strengthened. Subak shows how farming can be done in a way that maintains ecosystem balance. Adopting environmentally friendly farming practices can help maintain biodiversity and soil health, which in turn supports agriculture.
Subak reminded us that agriculture is not just about harvests; it is also about spiritual values. By respecting nature and recognizing our relationship with the environment, we can create a more holistic and fulfilling agricultural system. Subak has shown that technology can be wisely integrated into traditional farming practices. Let’s use technology to increase efficiency and productivity, but also to strengthen sustainable practices and safeguard cultural heritage. Adopting Subak principles can help create a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future. Let’s take inspiration from Bali and apply this wisdom to our fields and farms, for the good of us and the planet. (***)
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