Role of the Banjar and Temples in Responsible Waste Management

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had several emails from both foreigners and locals expressing their concern about the sad state of the environment in Bali, particularly concerning waste disposal.

I do not claim to have concrete solutions for waste management in Bali; however, the cultural/traditional systems and beliefs that are already the core of Balinese everyday life are an excellent place to start. Tri Hita Karana: the essential balance between people, nature and God is something that needs to be reinforced, not just talked about or sold as a tourism marketing tool. In fact, Tri Hita Karana is the cornerstone of both the banjar and temple systems, and needs to be further implemented.

Of recent, I’ve noticed that the media is already taking steps to educate. Whether this is part of a government program or not, I am unsure. Both Bali and Dewata TV now feature prime-time ads on caring for the environment. The ads are a bit drawn out, but they are easy enough to understand. One of the ads takes a sacrilegious angle: scolding a Balinese man who biffs his food wrapper on the temples grounds. In fact, since the month-long ceremony at Besakih, rubbish has become such a problem that pilgrims are requested to clean up after praying or consuming anything in the temple environs. This is a great start, because it will hopefully influence other temples and also banjars across Bali.

Since Balinese achieve their goals in groups and are easily influenced by people in positions of power that they believe in, the local banjar and temples can really make positive steps with responsible waste management.

In the meantime on a personal level, “Think global, act local!”

Some websites you can refer to for environment solutions:

www.eco-bali.com-recycling and responsible waste disposal
www.balifokus.org-waste management
An Ubud artist who has been inspired by rubbish: www.ubudartist.com/rubbishartist/nyomansubandi.html