Universitas Indonesia Conferences, International Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Development 2019

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THE PERSISTENCE OF AN ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY: IN DEPTH CRITICAL ANALYSYS OF THE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT IN GERIANA KAUH, KARANGASEM
LG. Saraswati Putri

Last modified: 2019-09-30

Abstract


Abstract

This research investigates the tenacity of the villagers of Geriana Kauh in the Regency of Karangasem, Bali, in preserving their culture and nature. Balinese are facing immediate threats due to massive modernization and industrialization. The excessive, and intrusive development generated by mega tourism, are causing environmental and societal degradations. The small village of Geriana Kauh, have been striving to protect their ancestral land with the power of cultural consciousness. For the past 10 years they have worked to rehabilitate their social and ecological crises caused by modernizations.

This research utilizes eco-philosophy theories, first is post-structuralism Three Ecologies theory by Felix Guattari. Using this critical theory, we can extract the importance of equilibrium within the psyche, the social, and the ecological. Second theory is by Murray Bookchin in relation to understanding the forming of a conscious ecological society.

Balinese foundation of living lies within the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, or three sources of happiness. Harmony among each others (pawongan), within the environment (palemahan), and to God (parahyangan). The villagers of Geriana Kauh lived by this philosophy. They are predominantly farmers who have inherited the land, which had been passed down from generation to generation. This farming tradition is also intertwined alongside to the ancient tradition of irrigation, or Subak. Cultivating lands have become their cultural and spiritual identities. The emergence of modern farming in the 1960s with harmful pesticide and chemical fertilizer, have caused danger to the paddy fields ecosystem. Now, they are returning to sustainable farming by restoring the traditional rice culture and living in accordance with nature.

 


Keywords


Ecological Society; Three Ecologies; Tri Hita Karana; Subak; Rice Culture; Sustainability.