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Bali's Gianyar regency becomes member of Organization of World Heritage Cities
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Villagers pray in front of three sacred barong [lion] effigies during the Ngedeblag ritual in Kemenuh village, Gianyar, Bali. (JP/Zul Trio Anggono)
T
he regency of Gianyar in Bali has become a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC), making it the third Indonesian area to be part of the organization.
The other two are Surakarta in Central Java, which was accepted in 2008, and Bali's provincial capital of Denpasar in 2013.
“Gianyar has a long history and roots of Balinese culture [going back] 246 years,” the head of Indonesian Heritage Trust (BPPI), Catrini Pratihari Kubontubuh, told the press on Thursday.
Gianyar was officially accepted as an OWHC member on Wednesday.
Catrini highlighted some aspects of Gianyar's cultural and traditional heritage, such as the Subak irrigation system that enabled the Balinese to become prolific rice growers despite natural challenges such as a hilly landscape.
Subak reflects the philosophical concept of Tri Hita Karana, which brings together the realms of the spirit, the human world and nature. Subak has been included in the world heritage list by UNESCO.
Gianyar regent Anak Agung Bharata said he hoped Gianyar's OWHC membership would help raise awareness of the importance of protecting history, nature and heritage.
(Read also: In Bali, Trump’s planned six-star hotel risks angering the Gods)
“The conditions in Gianyar are alarming,” Agung said, citing the growing number of domestic and foreign developers that bought land around Gianyar. He said that trend could lead to Balinese people being forced to move away from Bali.
Gianyar will also host the World Heritage Day on Tuesday, which is to be attended by 243 members of the OWHC from across the globe. (hol/bbs)
