DEPUTY Minister of Culture (Wamenbud) Giring Ganesha emphasized the importance of preserving the subak or agricultural irrigation system in Bali in facing development challenges on the Island of the Gods.
“This challenge reminds us of the importance of farmer regeneration and agricultural innovation to maintain sustainability, village welfare and culture around Subak,” said Giring Ganesha on the sidelines of the opening of the 2024 Subak Spirit Festival in Jatiluwih, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Saturday.
According to him, Subak is currently facing challenges including decreasing water sources, shrinking agricultural land and the threat of natural disasters.
For this reason, through the first Subak Spirit Festival, it is hoped that it will answer Subak’s challenges, which will be implemented through a holistic approach through seven activation spaces, namely culture, ecology, knowledge, gastronomy, sports, performances and publications.
“This festival is a call to the younger generation to return to the values of local wisdom, understand their culture and maintain it with pride,” he added.
He also believes that more attention is needed to save subak, one of which is by strengthening the synergy between subak as a form of sustainable agriculture and tourism which plays a supporting role in the economy in Bali.
“I will immediately discuss the steps with the Ministry of Tourism,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Culture added that Subak is more than an agricultural irrigation system because it is an ancestral cultural heritage that provides a philosophy of life, harmony and togetherness.
With the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, he continued, subak becomes a bridge for three harmonious relationships between humans and God, nature and fellow humans.
The existence of subak, he added, also has universal value and is relevant to the vision of President Prabowo Subianto’s government to create strong and sustainable food sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Subak Spirit Festival Curator Dibal Ranuh explained that glorifying water is the theme of the festival and invited the public to reflect on and celebrate the harmony of preserving Subak as a sacred cultural heritage and restoring the water ecosystem in Bali.
This festival aims not only to commemorate the importance of water in the Subak system, but also to celebrate rice fields as the heart of Balinese life.
Festival visitors are presented with various activities that introduce Balinese cultural and natural values, including training, competitions, cultural exhibitions, performances by local musicians, as well as traditional art performances such as joged tubung and mepantigan. (Ant/D-2)
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bali’s subak water management systems in the past, present and future
**Interview with Deputy Minister of Culture, Giring Ganesha on Preserving Subak in Bali**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Deputy Minister Giring Ganesha. The recent Subak Spirit Festival highlighted the importance of Bali’s subak irrigation system. Can you share why this system is so crucial for Balinese culture and agriculture?
**Giring Ganesha:** Thank you for having me! The subak system is not just an irrigation method; it represents a deeply rooted cultural heritage that embodies the philosophy of mutual cooperation among farmers in Bali. It’s vital for sustainable agriculture, preserving our landscape, and maintaining the traditional Balinese way of life.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned challenges like decreasing water sources and shrinking agricultural land. How do these issues impact the future of Subak?
**Giring Ganesha:** These challenges pose serious threats to our agricultural sustainability and cultural identity. As water sources dwindle and land decreases, we risk losing not only our farming practices but also the wisdom and traditions that come with them. Our goal is to regenerate our farmers and innovate agricultural methods to ensure that subak remains a functional and vibrant part of our community.
**Interviewer:** What role do events like the Subak Spirit Festival play in addressing these challenges?
**Giring Ganesha:** The festival plays a significant role in raising awareness and encouraging action among the younger generation. By engaging them through various activation spaces—culture, ecology, gastronomy, and more—we can inspire pride in our local wisdom and practices. It’s also an opportunity to discuss practical solutions that marry sustainable agriculture with tourism, strengthening our local economy.
**Interviewer:** How do you envision the synergy between tourism and subak development evolving in the future?
**Giring Ganesha:** There’s immense potential for tourism to support subak. By promoting eco-tourism that highlights agricultural practices, we can attract visitors who appreciate Balinese culture and sustainable farming. This not only creates economic opportunities but also fosters a deeper understanding and respect for our traditions among tourists and locals alike.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey to the younger generation regarding the preservation of Subak?
**Giring Ganesha:** I urge the younger generation to embrace and take pride in their cultural heritage. Understanding the values of local wisdom is paramount, and they are the key custodians of this legacy. It’s essential for them to engage with and preserve these practices, ensuring that our rich agricultural history continues to thrive for future generations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your insights and commitment to preserving Subak. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives develop.