Sejarah Subak dan Perkembangannya

Summary

This lecture discusses the history and development of the Subak irrigation system in Bali. Tracing back to the 9th century, Subak has evolved as a socio-religious agricultural organization, managing water distribution for rice paddies. Key historical inscriptions such as Sukawana, Trunyan, and Bebetin outline the early systems of water governance. Despite challenges like land conversion and water resource issues, Subak was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 as a World Heritage site. The lecture highlights the current struggles faced by Subak and proposes strategic measures for its preservation, including government support, insurance programs, and strengthening traditional roles within Subak.

Takeaways

• 😀 Subak irrigation system in Bali has existed since at least the 9th century, with its first inscription dating back to 882 CE.
• 😀 The Subak system is both a socio-agrarian and religious organization, essential for managing water resources in Bali's agricultural areas.
• 😀 The first recorded inscriptions related to Subak were discovered in Sukawana and Trunyan in Bali, detailing early irrigation practices.
• 😀 Prasasti Sukawana, dating back to 882 CE, is the oldest inscription mentioning Bali's agricultural systems, including organized irrigation and rice fields.
• 😀 The development of Subak became more structured under the influence of Majapahit in the 14th century, with the introduction of figures like 'sedahan' to coordinate water management.
• 😀 Despite colonial disruptions, Subak continued to be an effective and traditional organization during the Dutch colonial era for collecting agricultural taxes.
• 😀 Bali’s Subak system was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2012, acknowledging its role in preserving Bali's cultural identity.
• 😀 Modern challenges to Subak include land conversion, poor irrigation infrastructure, water shortages, and the high financial burden on farmers.
• 😀 The decline of Subak's area between 1997 and 2000 was a result of land conversion for urban and tourism development, losing an average of 1,000 hectares per year.
• 😀 Solutions proposed to support Subak include government agricultural insurance, enhancing Subak's cooperative role with other sectors like tourism, and restoring traditional positions like sedahan to strengthen coordination.

Q & A

What is the historical origin of the Subak irrigation system in Bali?

The Subak irrigation system dates back to the 9th century, with the earliest reference found in the Sukawana A1 inscription, dated 882 AD. This inscription suggests organized agricultural practices such as rice paddies and terracing existed in Bali at that time.

When was the formal regulation of the Subak system established?

The formal regulation of the Subak system was established in 1972 through the issuance of regional regulation (Perda) Number 2, which defined Subak as a socio-agricultural and religious organization that manages water systems.

What is the significance of the Sukawana A1 inscription in understanding Bali's agricultural history?

The Sukawana A1 inscription, found in 1951, is significant because it is the oldest inscription related to agriculture in Bali, indicating the existence of organized farming systems, including rice paddies, as early as 882 AD.

What does the term 'Huma' and 'Perlu' refer to in the Sukawana inscription?

'Huma' refers to rice paddies, and 'Perlu' refers to terraced agricultural fields. These terms highlight the well-established farming techniques in Bali during the 9th century.

How did the Majapahit influence the Subak system in Bali?

Under Majapahit influence from 1343 AD, the Subak system saw further development. A figure called 'Sedahan' was appointed to coordinate multiple Subaks and oversee the collection of taxes and distribution of water, strengthening the irrigation system.

What role did the Dutch colonial administration play in the Subak system?

The Dutch colonial administration recognized the effectiveness of the Subak system for tax collection. As a result, Subak was maintained and utilized during the colonial period as a mechanism for agricultural taxation and regulation.

What are some of the challenges facing the Subak system today?

Challenges facing the Subak system include land conversion for residential and tourism development, poor irrigation infrastructure, decreasing water quality, high financial burdens on farmers, and a lack of coordination and oversight by the government.

What impact has land conversion had on the Subak system?

Land conversion, particularly for housing and tourism, has led to a reduction in the size of Subak areas. Between 1997 and 2013, around 1,000 hectares of agricultural land were lost annually, impacting farmers' ability to sustain their livelihoods.

What steps are being taken to preserve the Subak system?

Efforts to preserve the Subak system include government support for agricultural insurance, improving irrigation infrastructure, reviving traditional positions like Sedahan, strengthening Subak cooperatives, and promoting collaboration with the tourism sector.

How was the Subak system recognized by UNESCO, and what areas are involved?

In 2012, UNESCO recognized the Subak system as a World Heritage site, highlighting its cultural significance. The designated areas include Pura Ulun Danu Batur, Lake Batur, Subak systems in the Pakerisan River area, Catur Angga Batukaru, and Pura Taman Ayun.