Penglipuran Village in Bali has become the talk of the town thanks to its achievement as one of the cleanest villages in the world. The village not only offers the beauty of traditional Balinese architecture, but also provides a real example of how a community can maintain harmony between people, culture and nature. This recognition certainly does not come easily, but is the result of the hard work of the Penglipuran villagers who have long upheld the values of cleanliness, neatness and sustainability.
The uniqueness of Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village is known for its neat and well-organized layout. Each house in the village has a traditional Balinese architectural design, reflecting local philosophy and harmony with nature. The village’s main street is made of clean natural stone and is free of motorized vehicles. This not only provides a traditional feel, but also helps maintain the air quality around the village.
The bamboo forest surrounding the village is one of the distinctive features that adds to the beauty of Penglipuran. This forest not only serves as an aesthetic element, but also as a conservation area that is important for the sustainability of the village environment. The locals have strict customary rules in preserving the forest, so that this area remains green and protected.
Philosophy of Cleanliness in Daily Life
The people of Penglipuran Village have deep cultural values related to cleanliness. The Tri Hita Karana principle, which means the three causes of happiness (harmonious relationship between man and God, man and man, and man and nature), becomes their main guideline in living their daily lives. Cleanliness is not only considered a physical need, but also as part of spiritual practice.
Every family in Penglipuran Village is responsible for the cleanliness of their home environment. Waste is managed very well through the separation of organic and non-organic waste. Organic waste is usually used for composting, while non-organic waste is processed or recycled. This system has been implemented for a long time and is one of the main factors that make this village worthy of international recognition.
International Award
In 2016, Penglipuran Village gained worldwide attention after being included in a list of the “world’s cleanest villages” alongside two other villages, Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Mawlynnong in India. The award was given by various media and organizations that focus on tourism and the environment. Such recognition not only brings pride to the people of Penglipuran Village, but also makes it an increasingly popular tourist destination nationally and internationally.
Tourists who come to Penglipuran Village are often amazed by the cleanliness and neatness of the village environment. It is not uncommon for them to call the experience of visiting this village an inspiring trip. In fact, some travelers refer to Penglipuran Village as “Bali’s little paradise” because of the peaceful atmosphere it offers.
The Role of Custom and Local Law in Penglipuran Village
The success of Penglipuran Village in maintaining cleanliness and order cannot be separated from the role of local customs and laws. The village has customary rules called Awig-Awig, which regulate various aspects of community life, including environmental cleanliness. Violations of these rules will usually be subject to sanctions, either in the form of reprimands to fines.
In addition, the people of Penglipuran Village have a strong sense of mutual cooperation. Every week, villagers jointly clean public areas such as main roads, temples and other public places. This tradition not only strengthens social relations an villagers, but also ensures that the village environment is kept clean.
Sustainable Tourism
As a tourist destination, Penglipuran Village prioritizes the concept of sustainable tourism. The number of tourists visiting is regulated so as not to exceed the village’s capacity, so as not to disturb the balance of the local ecosystem. Revenue from tourism is also used to finance various environmental and cultural programs in the village.
Visitors to Penglipuran Village are required to abide by local rules, such as not littering and respecting the traditions of the local community. This approach ensures that tourism does not destroy the authenticity of the village, but rather becomes a means to support cultural and environmental preservation.
Inspiration for the World
Penglipuran Village is living proof that cleanliness and sustainability can be achieved through community cooperation, cultural awareness, and consistent application of rules. The village has provided inspiration for many other regions in Indonesia and the world to implement similar practices in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Recognized as one of the cleanest villages in the world, Penglipuran Village not only brings pride to the Balinese people, but also reminds us all of the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This village is an example that a clean, tidy and sustainable life is the key to creating happiness and peace together.