Transforming Tri Hita Karana into Subak's Customary Laws For Sustainable Development in Bali

Abstract

Tri Hita Karana is a Balinese concept of local wisdom. It emphasizes the balance among relationships with God, fellow humans, and the environment. Subak, Bali's traditional irrigation system, implements this concept. However, modern developments and globalization present new challenges. They require a transformation of Tri Hita Karana values within the Subak's customary laws (awig-awig) to keep them relevant and supportive of sustainable development. This study examines how Tri Hita Karana values are integrated into the Subak Karang Gadon customary laws and their impact on Subak sustainability. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study finds that transforming Tri Hita Karana values within Subak's customary laws is essential to supporting sustainable development, directly reinforcing the achievement of several SDGs related to hunger, water, consumption, and climate action.