TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bali Regional Secretary Dewa Made Indra asserted that the Melukat agenda, or the holy water purification ritual ceremony, for delegates of the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) 2024 was not aimed at commercializing the holy places.

“There is no commercialization, the agenda is just an activity offer, not an official agenda yet. If it is included [in the official agenda], it will be offered to delegates who desire to participate, I don't think everyone will partake,” Indra said in a press release on Tuesday, April 23.

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno's plan to invite thousands of WWF delegates to experience the Melukat was met with protests from several local communities. They argued that the delegates should not be taken to sacred sites as this would appear to be commercializing sacred places.

Among the sacred sites that could be chosen is Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring, Gianyar.

“We will definitely consider it. The service for the public should remain open, but the destination must also be open to others,” Indra said.

As the name suggests, he explained that the World Water Forum is a forum for talks about water. Thus, one of the activities on offer is water purification.

For now, the Bali provincial government is still looking at alternative places for Melukat, taking into account access to the site and the capacity of each location.

The 10th World Water Forum, which will take place in Bali on May 18-25, 2024, carries the big theme "Water for Shared Prosperity". The meeting will address and discuss water issues and find common solutions to water management problems.

IRSYAN HASYIM (CONTRIBUTOR)

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