Indonesia's Tourism Minister Proposes Melukat Ritual for World Water Forum in Bali
Translator
Antara
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Minggu, 21 April 2024 13:32 WIB
Hindu devotees and foreign tourists take part in the ritual of melukat, or self-cleaning, at Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring, Bali, on May 21, 2023. (ANTARA FOTO/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo/tom)
TEMPO.CO, Nusa Dua, Bali - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno proposed including the Balinese custom of melukat as an activity for the upcoming 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Bali.
Melukat is a sacred ritual in Balinese Hinduism that purifies and cleanses individuals of impurities, both physical and spiritual, to restore inner harmony. It has also become a spiritual tourist attraction.
"There have been a lot of requests," he remarked on the sidelines of the 10th WWF preparatory coordination meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Saturday.
He stated that several requests had been received for the melukat ritual to kick off the 10th WWF, scheduled for May 18–25.
Uno explained that requests for melukat had been increasing after American musician Usher performed the ritual during his vacation in Bali in early March.
"Usher and several other international celebrities helped popularize it," he highlighted.
Uno stated that the melukat agenda is being considered as one of the forum-supporting activities for the triennial event.
Bali's unique cultural heritage, including melukat, adds a special charm to the WWF event compared to its implementation in other countries.
Indonesia was selected to host the 10th WWF through the World Water Council (WWC) General Assembly on March 19, 2022, in Dakar, Senegal.
Using the theme of "Water for Shared Prosperity," the forum is expected to be attended by thousands of representatives from 193 countries in the world.
