THK and Hotels (14)
Oblation and THK

Introduction
Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards & Accreditations (THK Awards) in 2005 is five years old. However, there are people still putting it into question, “What is the background of executing this program? Why does this program target hotels? Does not the hotel ‘only’ appeal for capital and profit/loss, while THK puts forward harmony and togetherness principles? Is it possible that both poles—capital and profit on the one hand, while harmony and togetherness spirit on the other hand—can coalesce? So, what is the concrete result of the THK Awards after five years?
Bali Travel News, starting from the 14th edition carries comprehensive articles around the carrying out of THK Awards. Based on the background of the program launched, its method and execution mechanism up to the positive impact comes into view after five years.

Banten or oblation constitutes a sort of holy sacrificial offering of Balinese community in religious (Hindu) rite. Theo-philosopically, oblation has various meanings and Tri Hita Karana (THK) concept is stuck in it. This matter is supported by Yadnya Prakerti palm-leaf manuscript of which origin says ‘Sehananing bebanten pinaka raganta twi, pinaka warna rupaning Ida Bhatara, pinaka Andha Buwana’ (all oblations are the representation of human self, symbol of God’s omnipotent and of the macrocosm).
So obviously mentioned that oblation conveys 3 (three) elements, namely nature, human and God. In cultural system, these three elements can be analogised into physical/artefactual, social, thinking pattern/value/aesthetical/spiritual subsystem. And, the three subsystems in THK concept cover the aspect of palemahan (physical environment), pawongan (social environment) and parhyangan (spiritual environment).
In the palm-leaf manuscript Yadnya Prakerti above is also mentioned that reringgitan tetuwasan pinaka kelanggengan kayunta meyadnya, sekare pinaka keheningan kayunta, plawa pinaka peh pekayunan suci (plaited or sculptured materials in the oblation represent the firmness of heart to perform the yajna, flowers the purity of thought and plawa or various evergreen shrubs the development of holy mind). Yajna means holy sacrifice).
Symbol of oblation indeed has eminently local form and is only associated with particular ethnicity (Hindu). However, behind that tangible physical form lays universal values that are correct for all without discriminating the origin, class or ethnic. Consequently, the implementation of banten in daily life does not suffice only through ritual. However, philosophical values packaged inside should also be applied in the real daily life, either individually or socially. This needs asserting that only by that way can philosophical values in the oblation produce (individual-social) transformation towards that mandated in such oblation.
Physically, oblation applies a variety of flowers as symbol of purity and sincerity in performing the yajna or sacrifice. Yajna indeed has overly comprehensive understanding. The words ‘sincere’ and ‘pure’ that represented with flowers in the oblation, for instance, should be comprehended that carrying out the KARANGASEM –Tri Hita Karana (THK) Award Team carried out discussion and implementation of Tri Hita Karana in order to develop the tourism sector. There were 45 participants attending the discussion and come from hotels in Bali. The activity took part for two days (26 – 27/12) at Puri Bagus Candidasa, Karangasem. The opening ceremony was started by a presentation about the concept of Tri Hita Karana from THK Tourism Award based on the implementation of the developing of tourism which was announced by the General Manager of THK Awards, Berata Ashrama, MM. The discussion continued with the presentation of three concepts of THK, the assessment of spiritual aspect (Prahyangan) by Ir. I Ketut Witarka Yudiata, MT, social aspect (Pawongan) by Dr. Ir. I Wayan Windia, and environment aspect (Palemahan) by Dr. Ir. A.A Agung Suryawan Wiranatha, M.Sc.(BTN/Para)

Melia Purosani Commits to Implement THK

YOGYAKARTA – Melia Purosani Hotel, a five star hotel in Yogyakarta has committed to implement the Tri Hita Karana (THK) in their hotel management. Jean Paul Riby, the GM of the hotel said, when discussing tourism certification with the hotel consultants, Agung Suryawan Wiranatha and A. A. Gde Raka Dalem in Yogyakarta on December 29, 2005. To support this vision the hotel has a plan to improve its contribution to the local community by providing scholarships for school students around the hotel in the near future. The scholars will be then be expected to contribute to the hotel by doing cultural performances and other activities which are considered to support the hotel’s business development. Mr Riby, who worked in Melia Bali Nusa Dua said that the implementation of THK in the hotel he manages will be easier after this hotel is able to perform well in ‘environmental aspects’, that is why in the last couple of years, the hotel has been working with Agung Suryawan and Raka Dalem in providing consultancy to renew its Green Globe 21 certificate in 2006. (BTN/028)