subak

Subak is a traditional Balinese irrigation system and socio-religious organization that coordinates water management for rice paddies across parts of Bali, Indonesia. It combines technical canal management with religious and communal practices, distributing water among farmers through a cooperative network of canals, gates, and schedules.

Each subak covers a defined geographic area and includes member farmers who rely on shared water resources. Decision-making is typically conducted through member councils, with leadership chosen by the community. The primary functions of a subak are to plan and regulate water distribution, maintain irrigation infrastructure, and organize maintenance work and repairs. Water allocation is managed by rotating flow schedules to balance needs during wet and dry periods, aiming for equitable access and sustainable use.

A distinctive feature of subak governance is the presence of water temples, or pura air, that act as spiritual centers within the irrigation system. These temples host rites and ceremonies to honor deities associated with water and fertility and to seek favorable rainfall and river flow. The temples reinforce the social and religious bonds that underpin cooperative water management and canal maintenance.

Culturally, subak is deeply embedded in Balinese Hindu beliefs and the broader philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony among people, gods, and nature. The system is recognized for its historical continuity and its integrated approach to agriculture, ecology, and spirituality.

Subak has centuries of history and broader recognition as a cultural landscape. In 2012, UNESCO inscribed The Subak Landscape of Bali as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its complex, sustainable approach to water governance and cultural heritage. Today, subaks continue to play a central role in Bali’s rural irrigation, while facing modernization and environmental challenges.