Indigenous Education: Passing on Knowledge of Water Conservation and Life Sources to the Indigenous People of Dalem Tamblingan, Bali

The rapid development of tourism and modernization in Bali has had a significant impact on indigenous communities, particularly regarding the transmission of traditions to the younger generation. This is felt by the Dalem Tamblingan Indigenous Community (MADT) in four villages in Buleleng Regency. This is despite the fact that MADT is one of the areas closely tied to regulations regarding Alas Mertajati, a forest and lake area that serves as a source of life for the MADT. The majority of them still believe in Echo of Tirta Charter, namely as water devotees who have lived in harmony with nature since the beginning. MADT spread their residence in the 13th century because they believe the Mertajati area is a source of life that needs to be protected so that they only need to live from the seepage of water in the four villages where they currently live. However, MADT is increasingly concerned about the current situation, the younger generation prefers to migrate to the city to seek a livelihood that they believe is greater than living in the village. Public places owned by the village such as the bale banjar and wantilan village look deserted when there are no more traditional events or meetings. Meanwhile, these places used to be the center of community gatherings and places for children to play while learning about customs, traditions, and rituals from their parents.

The decline of traditional values ​​underlies the MADT's push for the establishment of traditional education to strengthen the integrity and character of the younger generation. Five core values ​​are included in the curriculum: religiosity, integrity, nationalism, mutual cooperation, and independence. The curriculum and teaching modules were developed throughout April and May 2025. The materials included covered cultural knowledge, customs, and traditions. They also covered local plants, animals, local toys, music, and information related to water sources and their conditions. Afterward, activities continued to train the designated facilitators. A trial implementation of traditional education was held in July 2025. The water-glorification ritual, Karya Alilitan, was the main focus of the knowledge, written based on input from traditional elders. Participants in the trial experienced and gained a better understanding of this ritual and its important meaning regarding the glorification of water as a source of life in MADT.

The implementation of traditional education has had an impact on the transfer of knowledge from the older generation to the younger generation in MADT. One of the most important is the high enthusiasm of the younger generation in all events, especially in the water-honoring ceremony or Karya Alilitan. This program impacts an area of ​​​​7.015,03 hectares of the MADT area. Socially, this program has impacted 21.581 people, including 8.257 men, 7.931 women, and 5.393 young people. MADT is beginning to feel the return of the values: "all places and nature are teachers," as the younger generation is starting to be active in traditional activities, including the ongoing traditional education.