Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Commons: The Case of an Indonesian Subak

Abstract

"This paper analyzes how an indigenous Balinese water-user organization (Whisnu Kerta subak) deals with religious and democratic principles of water management. Particularly, the paper examines how these principles are translated into an interdependence perspective that would result in fair rights and duties of the organization members, a key element to achieve sustainable commons. The paper also explains why outsider intervention may have threatened the sustainability of the whole water management system and the natural environment in general. The heart of this water management system is a strong belief in the Hindu religious doctrine that water was not only common property resources but a God-owned property, a part of nature which human beings are encouraged to utilize properly. Empirical evidence shows that key elements of the success story of Whisnu Kerta subak include fair and clearly-stated rules and agreements, equitable rights and duties among organization members, strong enforcement of any violations and ethical, social and religious responsibilities attached to the feeling of interdependence among members. This subak has been able to overcome defiance by government officials and the vested interests of local and regional elites mostly due to the homogeneity in ethnic and social status of its group members."