The Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana literally translates to mean the ‘three causes of well-being’ and focuses on creating complete harmony between the Gods, among people, with nature and the natural world.
Leaders in the tourism sector want to see these principles create more regenerative tourism in the region.
Speaking at the Water Civilization exhibition at Tirta Empul Temple, close to Ubud, in early April, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Angela Tanoesoedibj, declared that the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana was one of the most influential elements of cultural capital that can help develop regenerative tourism in Bali.
In the coming months and years, there will be increasing focus on developing more sustainable and culturally respectful tourism in Bali; Minister Tanoesoedibj wants to go one step further and establish more regenerative tourism.
If sustainable tourism keeps everything as it is, does no harm, and preserves culture and the environment, regenerative tourism does one better.
Regenerative tourism takes a whole systems approach and focuses on creating a net benefit for people, places, and all living beings through tourism. This principle aligns well with the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana.
Minister Tanoesoedibj explained, “When we talk about sustainable tourism, the focus is on doing less harm. But when we talk about regenerative tourism, we want to do more good.”
She wants to see tourism in Bali become more than an economic entity but rather a vehicle for elevating the welfare and well-being of local communities, wildlife, and the natural landscape.
She added, “Before we got to know the concept of regenerative tourism, Bali had already embraced this concept, Tri Hita Karana.”
The Water Civilization Exhibition hosted at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tirta Empul Temple opened in early April and will run through to September.
The project is a collaboration between Quantum Temple and Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Wonderful Indonesia, Manukaya Let Village, Gianyar Regency Tourism Office, and Sui Network.
The exhibition presents a blockchain-based cultural exhibition. In addition to the local and international stakeholders, over 300 young people and creative community groups contributed to creating unique and culturally inspired installations made from bamboo.
The installation efforts were led by two young artists from Tampaksiring Village, Ida Bagus Nyoman Surya Wigenem and I Gusti Ngurah Dalem Rahmadi.
Visitors can also enjoy the digital elements of the exhibition to learn more about the essence of water in the Balinese civilization and the history of the Tirta Empul Temple.
As part of the project, visitors are also given the opportunity to chat with temple conservationists from Manukaya Let Village to ask any questions they may have about Balinese culture and to gain in-depth knowledge about the spiritual meaning of melukat, which is the Balinese water purification ceremony.
Tirta Empul Temple is the most famous place in Bali, and tourists take part in a water purification ceremony.
Minister Tanoesoedibj said, “We hope that this [kind of project] will not stop here, but that more and more will be accommodated on this platform. And not only in Bali but throughout Indonesia.”
As the instigators of the exhibition, Quantum Temple is on a mission to connect tourists with “living cultural heritage through curated regenerative travel experiences, digital and physical artifacts, and community-led initiatives powered by blockchain technology.”
The Water Civilization Exhibition and the efforts of the Quantum Temple and Indonesian authorities are sentiments felt across the board in Bali.
During the launch of the Permabudi Bali Management Plan 2024-2028, the Chairman of the Bali Religious Harmony Forum, Ida Pangelngsir Agung Putra Sukahet, called for all people in Bali to come together to promote harmony and balance for a secure future.
Sukahet explained, “Bali really depends on harmony because harmony for both Bali and Indonesia will create peace and security so that presidents, governors, ministers, regents, and mayors can build better.”
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