Singaraja – As part of the 32th Dies Natalis celebration, Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) conducted a community service program at Batu Kursi Temple and Manik Meketel Temple, Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng District, on Tuesday, January 14, 2024. This initiative reflects Undiksha’s commitment to addressing various challenges faced by the community while supporting environmental sustainability through the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy.
One of the key activities was the planting of hundreds of trees in the Batu Kursi area. This program aims to promote reforestation and preserve the environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ecological balance in the region. The event was attended by the Undiksha’s leadership, lecturers, and students, who actively participated in tree-planting activities. Additionally, the event included a joint prayer session at Pemuteran Temple and Bukit Kursi Temple as an expression of gratitude and hope that the reforestation efforts will provide long-term environmental benefits. Undiksha also presented ceremonial attire for the temple priests and donations to Bukit Kursi Temple.
Meanwhile, a community service project at Manik Meketel Temple focused on constructing a water reservoir. This project is designed to harness water resources located in a hilly area approximately 2.5 kilometers from Pemuteran Village’s area. The steep terrain, accessible only by a narrow forest pathway, posed significant challenges for volunteers in transporting construction materials.
The Head of Undiksha’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. I Nengah Suparta, highlighted that this initiative is an embodiment of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy, particularly in palemahan aspects, which emphasizes harmonious relationships between humans and the environment. “The construction of the water reservoir at Manik Meketel Temple aims to meet the water needs in the Batu Kursi Temple area, both for public consumption and to support the ongoing reforestation program,” stated Prof. Suparta.
This community service effort received high appreciation from the caretaker of Batu Kursi Temple, Jero Mangku Wayan Senadi. He emphasized the importance of reforestation in maintaining a balanced environmental ecosystem in the temple area. He also mentioned that the construction of the water reservoir at Manik Meketel Temple had long been a hope for the local community. With this program, he expressed hope that the water needs of the Batu Kursi Temple area would be adequately met, thereby supporting community activities and the ongoing reforestation efforts.
Mangku Wayan Senadi also expressed his hope that this community service program would be carried out sustainably. He added that the availability of water is not only vital for supporting daily life but also crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability downstream and within the Batu Kursi Temple area. Through this community service initiative, Undiksha demonstrates its commitment to providing tangible contributions to environmental sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for the community. Such initiatives are expected to continue in the future as part of the university’s responsibility to the community.
