Celebrating Subak

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist Hana Augustine, commemorates the culturally significant Indonesian irrigation system called subak, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites on this day in 2012. This network of canals, tunnels, and dams has allowed the people of the island of Bali to sustain lush rice paddy fields and live in symbiosis with nature for over a thousand years. 

The word subak refers not just to the irrigation infrastructure, but also to the cooperative social tradition that surrounds it. Through this system, a limited water supply is managed peacefully through some 1,200 collectives of individual farmers. Subak is considered to be a reflection of the ancient Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which loosely translates to “three causes of well-being” and describes the ideal of spiritual, interpersonal, and natural harmony. 

Firmly rooted in this ideology passed down through the generations, the traditional subak system has been upheld with unwavering dedication since its formation as early as the 9th century. In turn, Indonesian agriculturists have achieved an egalitarian rule of order that successfully sustains a harmonious balance between the land and the community of farmers that reap its benefits. 

The practice of subak has created a majestic and abundant landscape of tiered rice paddy fields that waterfall for hectares, and is an irreplicable phenomenon that fills both the hearts and bellies of the Balinese people.

Guest Artist Q&A with Hana Augustine

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist Hana Augustine. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A: When I started my research I was amazed to learn that subak originated from our country since so many countries use the system today! The tradition around Subak is very culturally rooted in Bali's beliefs. Though the theme of the Doodle is to celebrate it specifically, I wanted to highlight that subak could not survive without the hard work of farmers who sustain it and the land. These farmers are often overlooked, yet we consume the yield of their labor daily. Given the context of today with the global COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to include a character to represent these farmers, as a way for us to be reminded of their work and often forgotten role. This image I created therefore aims to honor them as well.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: I researched many photographs to view many angles of subak—it’s simply beautiful at every angle! Those photos were my source of inspiration to understand the shapes, color, and environment.

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope many people can learn about the origin of subak, just like I did. When people travel to Indonesia or other countries and see this irrigation system in rice fields, I hope they say, "hey! did you know that Subak came from Indonesia?"

Early draft of the Doodle