A number of rivers in Bali has been polluted by domestic, commercial and industrial waste to an alarming extent. Is there any relationship between river pollution and religious aspects?

Drs. Ketut Wiana, M.Ag., a lecturer at The State Instiute of Hindu Dhama (IHDN) Denpasar explained that in Hindu, rivers are considered sacred and therefore their cleanliness and holliness have to be preserved. Rivers have to be protected from any potential pollutions.

Wiana further explained that Manawa Dgarma Sastra mentions that making rivers dirty is a serious conduct and considered as sin. Even peeing the river is prohibited, no mention poisonous waste. Violation will result in foolishness and taksu. Serious attention to cleanliness and hollines of the rivers is expected. “Every stakeholders, people and the government has to contribute in cleanliness and holliness of the river.”

Program Director of religious and cultural, post graduate program of Indonesian Hindu University (UNHI) Drs. Wayan Budi Utama, M.Si. said that Hindu considers rivers, lake, ocean, and creek are among the element of Panca Mahabuta has to be protected from any kinds of dirts and pollutions as they are the source of all livings.

Philosophically water serves as a cleanser of dirts. Polluting water will eliminate this essential function. How can we clean things with dirty water? Polluted water resources immediately means assasination of the source for our life or at least discontinue the flow to our successors. Therefore promotiong the commitment to maintain cleanlines and holliness of Bali water source is very important. Involvement of community leaders is essential to advocate people as well as advise the government in decision making.

Similar expression was also voted by the chairman of Parisada Bali IGN Sudiana. Creek, river, lake, and the ocean retain utmost holliness in Hindu religion. Therefore cleanliness and holliness of rivers need to be preserved.