The site visit brought the select delegates to Jatiluwih, a vast agricultural region some 70 kilometers northwest of the forum’s main venue at Bali’s tourism enclave Nusa Dua, and to Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets in Mas, a village near the island cultural mecca of Ubud.

Lying on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, Jatiluwih boasts more than 600 hectares of rice fields. Its well-maintained and gorgeous terraced rice fields have turned it into an increasingly popular tourist destination.

It is also a testament to the social, ecological and cultural achievements of subak, a traditional irrigation society that for centuries has shaped and sustained the island’s cultural and belief system. In 2012, UNESCO recognized subak as a world heritage site. There are 2,733 subak across the island and the provincial administration allocates more than Rp. 136 billion (US$10.5 million) per year to assist them.

Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets was the brainchild of wealthy businessman Hadi Sunyoto and the recently deceased Agustinus Prayitno, an avid art collector.

Set in 1.4 hectares of land, the compound comprises several antique wooden buildings that house around 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets from across the archipelago and some neighboring countries.  A lavish dinner and art performance topped the visit to the compound. (bbn)

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