A number of foreign researchers are now interested in learning the excellence and local knowledge of traditional irrigation agriculture organization (Subak) in Bali which has included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage.

Chairman of Subak Research Center of Udayana University Prof. Dr. Wayan Windia in Denpasar on Sunday said that Subak irrigation is an irrigation system that is socio-technical, the technical aspects are applied in Subak system adapted to the socio-cultural aspects that developed in the region.

“So, in Subak system there is also evolving character of technology in accordance with the customs and culture of local community. As such, Subak system in Bali can also be viewed as a technology that has been developed into the local culture,” said Windia.

UNESCO recognized Subak as World Cultural Heritage since June 29, 2012, which includes four regions consists of Catur Anga Batukaru in Tabanan, Taman Ayun Temple in Badung, Pakerisan River Upstream Gianyar, and Ulun Danu Batur Temple and Lake Batur in Bangli.

Windia explained, before UNESCO set Subak as World Cultural Heritage, number of registered foreign researchers had conducted research on local wisdom contained in Subak.

The researchers are Grader, Geertz and Lansing, in addition to national and local researchers.

Foreign experts, Grader conducted research about Subak  in Jembrana, west Bali in 1984. While Geertz took place in area of Tabanan, Badung and Klungkung in 1959.

Lansing was doing research in Bangli Regency in 1991. The three researchers have revealed and reported on the progress of Subak with a variety of local wisdom.

“They generally praised on local intelligence that is owned by Subak which is inherited from generation to generation,” said Prof. Windia.