22 Foreign Students Visit Subak In Bali

Denpasar, Bali , Jan 10 (Antara) - On Friday, a group of 22 students from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy visited Subak Lodtunduh , near the artist settlement of Ubud, Gianyar, to observe the traditional irrigation system. The delegation was led by Director of Indonesia and Peru Prof. Christian Hilde and was received by the Chairman of the Research Center of Subak Universitas Udayana Prof. I. Wayan Windia, who was accompanied by Gede Sedana. The meeting and ensuing discussions about Subak took place in the paddy fields. The delegation was very enthusiastic and showed keen interest in learning about the traditional irrigation system. Subak is a traditional, ecologically sustainable irrigation system that has proven effective in paddy farming. The paddy fields in Bali still use the traditional irrigation system. Subak is still well-maintained, though it faces a variety issues regarding land use. In Bali, Subak has become a local institution and plays a vital role in agricultural development. Windia explained that Subak has become an integral part of the Balinese culture and a major tourist attraction. The green paddy fields in Bali were greatly admired by the delegation. According to Windia, one of the Subak`s irrigation systems, "one inlet one outlet", entails each rice field being equipped with one inlet and one outlet for efficient water management. The farmers are also able to segregate their farms for rice and pulse cultivation, especially during the dry season. The students initially doubted that water theft can be issue among the farmers. But, through the internal control system, water theft hardly ever occurred due to widespread awareness among farmers. In the Subak system, the entire irrigation and farming activities in the paddy fields are always based on consensus. Rituals and religious ceremonies are held regularly and play an effective role in fostering strong bonds among the farmers using the Subak irrigation system. The farmers believe that God is part of the Subak philosophy of TriHita Karana, which lays emphasis on the three ways to happiness: harmony with God, harmony with other humans, and harmony with nature.