IN the series of activities of the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) officially started with the holding of a side event entitled “Balinese Water Purification Ceremony” or melukat taking place at Surf Surf By The Wave Beach, Kura Kura Bali area, Denpasar, Saturday (18 May).
The World Water Forum activities were also attended by delegates who enthusiastically took part in the series of events. One of them is Louise Heegard, a representative from DHI Water and Environment, a Danish engineering and software development consulting company. She, who was visiting Bali for the first time, was very impressed with the event, one of which included the Sagara Kerthi ceremony featuring a very deep meaning towards nature.
“This is extraordinary, I am very happy to be able to see this (ceremony) which respects nature so much,” said Louise.
The Sagara Kerthi ceremony itself is a commendable act to care for and purify the sea psychically (niskala). Apart from being a source of water, the sea is also the largest habitat for living creatures, so this ceremony was held to coincide with the auspicious day to glorify animals, namely Rahina Tumpek Uye or Saturday Kliwon Uye (celebrated every 210 days). This ceremony aims to ask for grace so that the sea remains clean and sustainable so that humans live prosperously and happily.
“I really love this ceremony, and I hope that cultural richness like this can continue to keep this (natural) place always clean,” added Louise.
Meanwhile, the President of the World Water Council (WWC), Loic Fauchon, stated the same thing. He was very amazed by the opening of the World Water Forum which began by highlighting the traditions and local wisdom of the Balinese people which are in line with preserving water as a source of life. “This afternoon’s activities are an extraordinary ceremony,” he said.
He believes that the 10th World Water Forum in Bali will be the most successful world water forum and a diplomatic triumph for Indonesia.
“Since 30 years ago, (the founding of WWC) this (organization) has been the most professional and efficient that I have seen,” said Loic.
The Sagara Kerthi ceremony itself began with a worship procession with a sacred dance as a medium of offering. The dances included Penasar Mask, Sang Hyang Jaran, Sang Hyang Dedari, Baris Cerkuak, Rejang Putri Maya, and Sidakarya Mask Dance.
Afterwards, prayers were held together led by the priest and followed by all the Hindus in attendance. The procession closed with the release of the animals into the wild. These animals consisted of 1,000 turtle hatchlings, 1,000 birds and 5 turtles.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, stated that the Balinese Water Purification Ceremony is one of a series of activities at the 10th World Water Forum which showcases the diversity of Indonesian culture, especially Bali.
“Later, there will also be a gala dinner at Garuda Wisnu Kencana. There was also a field trip for the delegates to Jatiluwih to see the Subak water system, as well as a trip to Besakih Temple, Kintamani, as well as several other destinations that glorify water. “Apart from that, there is also the Bali Street Carnival,” said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno. (Source: Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy)
