PRESS RELEASE

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA TEAM OF THE 10TH WORLD WATER FORUM  

NO.84/SP/TKM-WORLDWATERFORUM2024/05/2024

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10^th World Water Forum Delegates Impressed by Balinese Water Purification Ceremony

The series of activities of the 10^th World Water Forum officially commenced with the holding of a side event titled "Balinese Water Purification Ceremony" which took place at Surf Surf By The Wave Beach in Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (KEK), Denpasar, on Saturday, 18 May 2024.

Delegates participating the event admitted they felt enthusiastic. Louise Heegard from DHI Water and Environment, a Danish engineering and software development consulting company, is one of the participants who expressed their enthusiasm.

Louise Heegard, visiting Bali for the first time, was impressed by all the activities, especially the Sagara Kerthi ritual, which has a profound meaning about nature. This ceremony tells of a community that deeply respects all elements of nature in their daily lives.

"This is amazing, I am very happy to witness this (ceremony) which shows such respect for nature," said Louise.

Sagara Kerthi is a noble act to care for and spiritually purify the sea. The sea, besides being a source of water, is also the largest habitat for living beings, hence this ceremony is held to coincide with an auspicious day to honour animals, known as Rahina Tumpek Uye.

This ceremony aims to seek blessings for the sea to remain clean and sustainable, ensuring human prosperity and happiness

"I love this ceremony very much, and I hope such cultural richness can always keep this place (nature) clean," said Louise.

The President of the World Water Council (WWC), Loic Fauchon, expressed similar sentiments. He was amazed by the kickoff of the 10^th World Water Forum, which began by highlighting local traditions and wisdom of the Balinese people which are in line with water conservation as a source of life. "This afternoon's activity is an extraordinary ceremony," he said.

He also believes that the 10^th World Water Forum in Bali will be the most successful world water forum and a diplomatic triumph for Indonesia.

"Since its inception 30 years ago (establishment of World Water Council /WWC), this (organization) is the most professional, most efficient I have ever seen," said Loic Fauchon.

Balinese Water Purification Ceremony Ritual

The Sagara Kerthi ritual began with a worship procession featuring sacred dances as an offering medium. These dances include Topeng Panasar, Sang Hyang Jaran, Sang Hyang Dedari, Baris Cerkuak, Rejang Putri Maya, and Sidikarya Mask Dance.

After that, the Hindu congregation present at the ceremony conducted a communal prayer led by a priest. The procession concluded with the release of animals into the wild, which included 1,000 hatchlings, 1,000 birds, and 5 turtles.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said, the Balinese Water Purification Ceremony is one of a series of activities at the 10^th World Water Forum which showcase the diversity of Indonesian culture, especially Bali.

"There will be a gala dinner at Garuda Wisnu Kencana. Additionally, there will be a field trip for delegates to Jatiluwih to see the Subak irrigation system, as well as trips to Pura Besakih, Kintamani, and several other destinations that honor water. Moreover, we’ll also have the Bali Street Carnival," said Minister Sandiaga, adding that the Bali Street Carnival will carry the theme "Samudra Cipta Peradaban" (Ocean Creates Civilization), symbolizing efforts to honour the sea as a source of universal prosperity.

The parade, which will take place on 20 May 2024, will feature six art studios and involve around 1,200 artists.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga said that to date, 20,000 delegates have registered, and with the addition of accompanying delegations, an estimated 46,000 participants are expected to attend. He is optimistic that at the opening ceremony, the target of 50,000 participants in the 10^th World Water Forum will be achieved.

"Therefore, we must provide the best service, ensuring the quality of the organization, not only the substance but also the cleanliness of the environment," said Minister Sandiaga.

Regarding the impact of holding the 10^th World Water Forum, the most noticeable effect is the increase in hotel room occupancy and transportation services. We even have to bring in services from outside the island of Bali.

"Many orders have been made for products from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), but we want to involve more to expand the impact of the event," said Sandiaga.

Delegates are encouraged to extend their stay by visiting several destinations such as Lombok, Borobudur, Lake Toba, Labuan Bajo, and several other destinations. "Destinations that offer sustainable, quality, and inclusive green tourism that provides an economic impact on the community," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga.

Also present at the Balinese Water Purification Ceremony were the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, and Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Abdullah Azwar Anas. (Birkom Parekraf/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/ug/PR)

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For further information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong  (0816785320).

PCO of the 10^th World Water Forum - Dede Ariwibowo (08111830020)

Get more information at https://infopublik.id/kategori/world-water-forum and https://s.id/worldwaterforumpedia