The efforts to preserve nature based on spiritual values were manifested through a tree-planting and environmental cleanup action at the Pura Tap Sai area, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency, on Sunday. The activity, themed "Green Dharma," is part of the implementation of the Hindu ecotheology program, which emphasizes harmony in human relations with nature and the Divine Creator.

Various officials from the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bali Province, along with the regency-level offices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs across Bali, and the Directorate General for Hindu Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs,participated in the program. The event was also attended by the Director of Hindu Religious Education, the Head of the Hindu Religious Affairs Division, the Head of the Hindu Religious Education Division, members of the Hindu Suka Duka association of Kanwil Kemenag Bali, and Hindu religious leaders from various regions in Bali.

The Head of Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bali Province, Dr. I Gusti Made Sunartha, emphasized that the reforestation movement in sacred areas is a concrete step to protect green spaces in Bali amidst rapid development.

"This tree-planting activity is a positive step to help preserve green spaces in Bali. It is also a form of implementing human harmony with nature in an effort to sustain Bali's environment," he stated.

He also expressed appreciation for the active participation of all participants, ranging from the officials of Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bali Province and various elements of the Hindu community involved in the reforestation and cleaning action of Pura.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Hindu Religious Affairs Division serving as the organizing committee chairman, I Wayan Diadnyana, explained that the Green Dharma initiative is a concrete implementation of the Hindu ecotheology concept, which is rooted in the teachings of Tri Hita Karana, specifically the Palemahan aspect that emphasizes harmonious relationships between humans and the environment.

"This tree-planting action serves as tangible proof of our concern for environmental preservation. In the concept of Tri Hita Karana, humans have an obligation to maintain balance and harmony with the surrounding nature," he said.

He explained that the concept of ecotheology teaches that all of God's creations must be nurtured and not over-exploited for the sustainability of future generations.

The Director General for Hindu Community Guidance, Prof. I Nengah Duija, also conveyed his appreciation for the implementation of the Green Dharma program in the Pura Tap Sai area. He noted that the involvement of temple priests (pemangku) and administrators (prajuru) in environmental preservation is a true form of devotion to the sacred area.

"We hope that the Pura Tap Sai area remains preserved, lush, and continues to flourish so that it can be enjoyed by future generations," he stated.

On that occasion, he also reminded everyone of the importance of protecting plants as part of the spiritual life of Hindus. He emphasized that leaves, flowers, and fruits hold significant meaning in Hindu worship traditions, as mentioned in the Holy Book Bhagavad Gita.

During the activity, a total of 225 tree seedlings were handed over and planted, consisting of 50 sandat (ylang-ylang) trees, 50 cempaka (magnolia) trees, 25 ketapang (beach almond) trees, 50 kelapa gading (ivory coconut) trees, and 50 avocado trees. All seedlings were handed over to the temple priests and administrators to be cared for and cultivated within the sacred area of Pura Tap Sai.

The Green Dharma program itself has been running since 2024 and is routinely held ahead of the sacred days of Tumpek Kandang and Tumpek Wariga. The program is expected to continue evolving into a nationwide reforestation movement for sacred sites across the archipelago, particularly in Bali.

The event also included a melukat ceremony as a symbol of physical and spiritual purification, followed by a joint prayer at Pura Tap Sai. A strong spiritual atmosphere and sense of togetherness were felt throughout the event, reflecting the commitment of the Hindu community to maintaining a balanced relationship between humans, nature, and the Divine Creator in harmony with the values of Tri Hita Karana.

Editor : I Made Juni Saputra

Photographer : I Gede Dipayana

Contributed and Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori