Tumpek Wariga Festival: A Journey Through Harmony with Nature
We arrived in Jembrana early in the morning, eager to document the Tumpek Wariga Festival. This unique event, organized by the Pratisara Bumi Foundation, celebrates the deep connection between humans and nature, particularly plants and trees. Our goal as videographers was to capture not just the visuals, but the essence of this cultural and environmental celebration.
The first person we met was Putri from the Pratisara Bumi Foundation. She introduced herself and explained the significance of Tumpek Wariga. “Tumpek Wariga holds deep meaning because it represents the interconnection between humans and nature, especially plants. It reminds us that just as plants provide everything for us, we must give back to maintain harmony.
The festival was a blend of traditional rituals and modern sustainability practices. One of the highlights was the ceremony where a priest purified the plants before inviting the spirit of Dewa Sangkara, the deity of plants, to reside in them. This was followed by communal prayers, showing gratitude for the plants that provide oxygen, food, and materials essential for life.
We met Irma from Konstelasi Accelerator Supernova Ecosystem. She spoke about their Value Chain Canvas initiative Gotong Royong, a framework for mapping the processes and stakeholders involved in transforming raw commodities into high-value products. “Our goal is to bring together all stakeholders, from farmers to financial institutions, to collaboratively develop sustainable ecosystems,” she said.
We joined a group of local farmers and environmental activists on a tour of the forest. I Gusti Made Loka Putra, head of the Giri Amerta Forest Farmers Group. He explains the intricate details of Tumpek Wariga, emphasising the concept of Tri Hita Karana, which seeks harmony between man, nature and God. “This festival is our way of showing respect and gratitude to the plants. They play an important role in our lives, providing food, oxygen, and materials,” he said.
The tour was an eye-opener. Instead of commercial plantations, we saw diverse, natural forests. Linh Hoang, an international trade expert, was equally impressed. “I expected commercial farms, but everything here is so natural and harmonious. It’s crucial for us in international trade to understand the sustainability aspect of our commodities,” he noted.
We spent time with several entrepreneurs who are part of the festival. Indah Respati from Hiro Drinks shared her excitement about the event. “We produce natural drinks, and being here has connected us with like-minded individuals who share our vision of sustainable business from source to market,” she said.
The festival also hosted workshops on sustainable business practices and community collaboration. Irma highlighted the importance of such collaborations. “For too long, businesses, government, and NGOs have operated in silos. It’s time we all come together to solve problems innovatively,” she said.
As the festival came to a close, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose and unity. Participants from various backgrounds had come together, united by a common goal of sustainability and respect for nature. The closing ceremony was a beautiful representation of this unity, with everyone participating in a final prayer and offering to the plants.
Reflecting on our journey, we felt a deep sense of appreciation for the festival and its message. Tumpek Wariga is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of our responsibility towards nature. It taught us that true harmony is achieved when humans and nature coexist in mutual respect and care.
The Tumpek Wariga Festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bali and its forward-thinking approach to sustainability. It offers a powerful message to the world: that we must honor and protect our natural environment if we are to sustain our way of life. This journey has not only enriched our understanding but has also inspired us to incorporate these values into our work and daily life.
As we packed our equipment and prepared to leave, we felt a profound connection to the land and its people. The memories of Tumpek Wariga will stay with us, a constant reminder of the beauty and importance of living in harmony with nature.
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Photos : Prema Ananda, Gus Agung, Felixrio Prabowo, Rio Kharisma
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