Subak

Subak is a traditional and ancient irrigation system that has been used in Bali, Indonesia for centuries. It is a democratic and sustainable system that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

History[edit | edit source]

The Subak system is believed to have been developed in the 9th century during the Majapahit Empire. It was a response to the challenges of water management in the volcanic and mountainous landscape of Bali. The system has been passed down through generations and is still in use today.

Structure and Function[edit | edit source]

The Subak system is a complex network of canals, tunnels, and weirs that distribute water from rivers and lakes to rice fields. It is managed by a group of farmers who elect a leader, known as the Klian Subak. The Klian Subak is responsible for the distribution of water and the maintenance of the system.

The Subak system is based on the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes the balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. This philosophy is reflected in the design of the system, which integrates religious rituals, community cooperation, and traditional knowledge.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

The Subak system is not just a method of irrigation, but also a way of life. It is deeply intertwined with the Balinese culture and religion. The system is often associated with the Balinese temples, where water is considered a sacred element.

The Subak system has also influenced the landscape of Bali, creating a unique and beautiful scenery of terraced rice fields. This landscape is a symbol of the Balinese cultural identity and is a major attraction for tourists.

Recognition[edit | edit source]

In 2012, the Subak system was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Cultural Landscape. This recognition highlights the importance of the system as a model of sustainable agriculture and community-based resource management.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Despite its recognition, the Subak system is facing several challenges. These include the increasing pressure from tourism development, the changes in the agricultural sector, and the impacts of climate change. Efforts are being made to preserve and sustain the system for future generations.

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.