Written by 
Dr. Mas Rucitadewi
Yeh Yah, Yah Yeh is written by Mas Ruscitadewi. World Water Forum 2024. Explores themes related to Balinese water management and culture. Edited by Dian Dewi Reich.
Note From the Editor. We certainly would have come across many discussions relating to environmental issues, waste management and the sustainability of natural resources. Yet, do we truly allow the gravity of these issues to seep into our personal conscience? This is about water. Something we suffer greatly to be without even for one day. The wise words of Mas Ruscitadewi invite us to explore the irony of modern intelligence and progress by highlighting the linguistic ironies in the word ‘Yeh’. When we look specifically through the lens of ‘Water Management’.
Yeh Yah, Yah Yeh
The Many Meanings of ‘Yeh’
‘Yeh‘ is a word in Balinese which means water. It also refers to the sound or utterance of a feeling, in fact, many feelings. That of doubt, distrust, lack of confidence, disbelief to astonishment. As well as suggestive of extreme amazement at something that surpasses common sense, skill or confidence. Finally, it can also carry the connotation of human surrender. All this in the sound or utterance of ‘Yeh‘.
The meaning and sound of ‘yeh‘ in Indonesian is somewhat close to the meaning and sound of the word ‘yah‘. Which can indicate complaint, approval, or acceptance in small (short), medium or large (long) levels depending on the length and short duration used in pronouncing the vowel ‘a’ or ‘e’.
World Water Forum
The event known as the World Water Forum (WWF) which is held in Bali in May 2024, discusses water and strategy. Policies in water management have become less strategic or wise as there is no ability to manage water in the human body, which is based on the environment and knowledge passed down in traditional belief systems.
The dissolution and prohibition of the People’s Water Forum (PWF) which was held at the Orange Denpasar Hotel, was a reminder for Bali (where the World Water Forum was held). Balinese people are reminded to pay more attention to water management in the natural environment (palemahan), the human body (pawongan) and the concept of belief (pahyangan). Pawongan is the key. Determining where the water will be taken, shared or controlled. Orange is a colour that combines yellow (earth) and red (fire) in the southwest direction, where Lord Rudra resides. In Hindu philosophy, only the god (lighting light) Rudra can turn into Butha/Kala (destroying material) Rudra.
Can We Keep Good Systems Alive?
In reality, it would be fair to say the water distribution system in the Subak organization which was inherited from the ancient Balinese era, has dried up in the fire of greed. It is often the conclusion of many that the subak system and kelian subak have just become superficial lists and sidenotes for government and administrative officials more involved in power struggles than in the welfare and sustainable improvement of our water sources.
The essence of Subak is water management. Water is needed not only to irrigate paddy fields, fields, gardens, lakes and ponds. It is there as a holistic system to meet the needs and balanced survival of everyone. Also to meet the needs of humans and animals. It is no less than a profound tragedy if, despite the richness of human knowledge (throughout Indonesia and especially Bali), we do not have healthy access to water supplies to support our lives.
Everyone is a Customer
A simple example is everyday drinking water. To get access to drinking water that is said to be ‘clean and healthy’ Indonesians, as a tropical country, still have to buy it. Ironically, they are often joyfully buying, getting caught up in the associated prestige of foreign and high-end brands from foreign-owned drinking water companies. Whose permits are issued by the government of the Republic of Indonesia.
Image of Artist Wayan Suastsama exploring ‘Muddy Waters of Sacred Hulu’ Photography Sawidji Studio.
Yeh Yah, Yah Yeh
We can surmise that the World Water Forum (WWF) and the People’s Water Forum (PWF) in the abstract sense are an important meeting point. If humans can realise the “water” in their bodies is also in other bodies.
Water is the natural element that is easiest for us to reach and connect to. Hopefully, through water, we can reflect and see our authenticity without needing recognition from others. Perhaps soon, we can truly shout out loud with joy “yehhhhh….yahhhhh…..”
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