Balinese Life

Jatiluwih Terraced Rice Fields
Becoming a World Cultural Heritage

When talking about fascinating terraced rice fields in Bali, our mind will directly go to two prominent locations, namely Tegalalang (Gianyar) and Jatiluwih (Tabanan). Rice terraces are reminding us of extensive nature landscapes where various hybrid and local varieties of paddy grow on gorgeous spaces. It emanates dynamic and panoramic views seasonally. For some months it will be green and the rest will turn golden yellow. Assuredly, it becomes a source of beauty and leisure ecotourism.

Jatiluwih village, rising on highland, is a prestigious pristine nature landscape of enchanting terraced rice fields. This perches on the altitude of some 500-650 meters above sea level and consequently it has a cool temperature. Precisely, it’s located north of Tabanan or some 40 km northwest of Denpasar. As a secluded destination, it offers serene atmosphere that will pamper the longing of visitors for exploring the allurement of rice fields with the backdrop of Mount Batukaru.
Just as the beauty of culture, either in the form of performing arts, architectural building or oral tradition, the nature landscape as above is no less captivating for tourists’ attraction. For years, it has become an illustrious destination drawing many visitors. Due to uniqueness or hidden charm and some other considerations owned by this Jatiluwih terraced rice fields, it has been chosen by UNESCO as one of the world cultural heritages. According to an official source of the Bali Preservation, Research and Archaeological Agency, there are three sites proposed for such a status, namely the River Stream Zone of Pekerisan (Gianyar), Taman Ayun (Badung) and Jatiluwih (Tabanan). This status then progressively affirms the destinations as an internationally recognized site and gives assurance for their sustainability.
In a later development, the Jatiluwih terraced rice fields will be divided into three zones, namely the core zone—rice terrace itself that should be maintained as its original condition; buffer zone and development zone. At the latter, it will be enabled to set up supporting facilities for this site. Additionally, it is said that for the time being the mapping and administration procedures of this zone are still in progress and needs further assessment. Socialization to the wider community about this endorsement will be scheduled around the upcoming February.
By this status, the community and government will go hand in hand to arrange the site into a conservational area and no transfer of function will be allowed. Similarly, this new status means preservation and sustainability of the nature and social life behind it. This implies that when the land remains to exist along with its subak, a traditional irrigation cooperative based on Hinduism, the future generation will not only know such enchanting rice field heritage from the history but also see it in person and get involved in maintaining it. As a matter of fact, this will become a new awareness to interpret it as protecting the beautiful earth for the next generation while managing it modernly to reach a better life. In short, it will be in harmony with the objective of sustainable tourism namely meeting the needs of current tourists and host regions while safeguarding and enhancing opportunities for the future.
As it has been aware, cultural and heritage tourism has become a major force of the tourism industry in Bali. Hopefully, the new status would enhance the more intense community participation in developing the community-based cultural heritage resources as tourism attraction. And at the same time, it would also improve the economic development of the local community. (BTN/029)


"Kulkul", an Ancient Relic Today

All traditional organizations in Bali like the subak (irrigation cooperative), customary village and so on has a kulkul or wooden split drum. It is employed to convey a message of their activity through signals in the form of sound. It proved to be very effective through the generations. Every member appreciates and considers it sacred and cannot be used improperly.
Interpretation of its sound is mentioned in the legislation of the village or organization concerned. When a customary village will hold an assembly, public service or convey information on death, the kulkul will be hit in certain rhythm that has been agreed. In case of emergency like a building on fire, there would be a kulkul bulus or the kulkul hit in endless fast rhythm. On hearing the sound of this kulkul in this manner, every dweller will go out by bringing the proper tools to extinguish the fire.
In the case of theft or riots, the kulkul bulus also plays important role in driving the people to move. They will respond immediately and take action by bringing sticks or other relevant tools to catch the thief or relieve the riots. As the kulkul tower may be four or five meters high, its sound is audible from a distance and can cover a wider area. As soon as other villages hear the sound of such a kulkul, it will also respond and continues its message to villages nearby. So, all neighbouring villages will be alerted by that means of communication. It is how the mutual assistance of inter-customary villages works in maintaining the security of their territory.
Today, this kulkul is still effectively used as a traditional means of communication and comes in major paraphernalia in their tradition. Where are they set up? By and large, those kulkuls are set up at the village or hamlet meeting, and puseh or village temple or base of the traditional organization.
Kinsalal Sharma, in his book: "Why? Hindu Customs, Rituals and Rites (2006)", writes about the ancient tradition of the cavemen. They originally conveyed information to other members by climbing a highest point at their area and shouted aloud. In the long run when the iron was invented, they made a large size bell. Once swaying of the bell, its sound could be far reaching. In India, it is today becoming a bell set up at temples. However, the predecessor of Balinese people may have adopted this development by making a small bell as that employed by priests in different functions. While for communication, they made use of a wooden kulkul instead.
Other than for means of ‘mass’ communication, the smaller kulkul (usually made from bamboo) is used in performing arts like the so-called tektekan in combination with some traditional musical instruments. Many kulkuls, hit in particular rhythmical manner, can produce melodious sounds. A similar kulkul is also widely used on the ngrebeg activity, right one day before the Hari Nyepi or Day of Silence. At this time, children, adolescence and adult people join together to grace the welcoming of such annual festivity. Today, kulkul is also made into an artistic product for tourist souvenir. Assuredly it can be used for unique token to bring home. (BTN/029)