Nyepi and Environmental Awareness

Tears streamed uncontrollably from the Governor of West Java, Kang Dedi Mulyadi, as he witnessed the extent to which nature in Puncak Bogor had been damaged by human greed without considering the vast environmental impacts. Kang Dedi's awareness of the need to protect the mountain as the mother of nature is deeply rooted in ancestral teachings that regard the mountain as a source of life.

The Vedic scriptures as mentioned in Atharvaveda 12.1.12, state: The earth is likened to a mother who gives life, food, and shelter, while man is a child who must respect, care for, and protect his mother. This verse teaches that humans should not damage or exploit nature excessively because that would be the same as destroying their own mother.

Although not the sole cause, the flash flood disaster in the Bekasi area, which resulted in thousands of homes being submerged, disrupted residents' activities, and caused significant material losses. This incident is not the first of its kind; flooding in Bekasi seems to have become a recurring disaster cycle that grows increasingly severe. This phenomenon has become a worsening routine due to climate change, land-use conversion, and poor drainage systems. The flood serves as a reminder of the importance of collective awareness to protect Mother Nature and the environment and to reduce the impact of human activities that harm nature.

Flooding in Bekasi, like other environmental disasters, is a result of the loss of human awareness regarding the importance of preserving the environment. The ancestors of the Nusantara have taught us about Tri Hita Karana (THK), maintaining the balance of the relationship between humans and their God, the balance of the relationship between humans and other humans, and the balance of humans with their environment.

This article invites readers to take a moment to reflect on what we have done to maintain the balance between humans and their environment or surrounding nature, which has led to environmental disasters not only in Bekasi but in almost all regions of West Java and the archipelago. These disasters occur at different times and levels, but their impact remains the same: suffering for humans and their environment.

Nyepi as one of the local wisdoms that is still applied on the island of Bali and in several parts of the archipelago can be a source of inspiration to create awareness of environmental protection wrapped in noble religious traditions. Nyepi has very strong ecological values, which are the inspiration for silent day globally.

Nyepi, a Hindu holiday in Bali, is a real example of how religious traditions can contribute to saving the environment. During Nyepi, all human activities are stopped for 24 hours. Four main rules (Catur Brata), which include: Amati Geni (do not light fire or electricity), Amati Karya (do not work), Amati Lelungan (do not travel), and Amati Lelanguan (do not seek entertainment). These practices not only have spiritual meaning as a moment of reflection and introspection, but also have a positive impact on the environment. The implementation of Nyepi is closely related to the teachings of THK.

Restore the harmony of nature to its nature, care for and plant for a better life for future generations.

Returning to the flood incident in Bekasi, the implementation of Nyepi with the application of the Palemahan aspect of THK becomes highly significant as an inspiration for environmental preservation. The "Palemahan" aspect in the teachings of THK emphasizes the importance of a harmonious relationship between humans and nature and the environment. During Nyepi, this aspect is manifested in various activities.

First, the cessation of human activities that harm the environment. During Nyepi, all human activities that could damage the environment are halted for 24 hours. Examples include: a) Halting the Use of Motor Vehicles: By refraining from using motor vehicles, emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants are significantly reduced. b) Halting the Use of Electricity: The cessation of electricity usage during Nyepi helps reduce the burden on power plants, most of which still rely on fossil fuels. c) Halting Tourism Activities: The temporary suspension of tourism industry activities, which typically generate waste and air pollution, provides an opportunity for nature to "breathe."

A direct impact related to this matter was studied by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in 2019, which showed that during Nyepi, air pollution levels in Bali decreased significantly, carbon emissions were reduced, and electricity consumption dropped drastically. Air pollution decreased by 60 percent during Nyepi. This proves that the temporary cessation of human activities can provide tangible positive effects on the environment.

Second, giving nature time to recover. Nyepi can be seen as a form of “ecological rest” for nature. For one full day, nature is given the opportunity to recover from human exploitation that occurs every day. For example: a) Air Quality Recovery. With reduced air pollution, air quality becomes cleaner and healthier. b) Noise Reduction. The cessation of transportation and industrial activities reduces noise pollution, which has a positive impact on the ecosystem and wildlife. c) Waste Reduction, with the cessation of activities, automatically waste is also not produced so that at night on Nyepi, in the silence of the night, we will hear the melodious sound of nature, the voice of the Almighty God, a voice that is so soft and soothing in silence.

Third, increasing ecological awareness. Nyepi not only has a direct impact on the environment, but also increases the ecological awareness of the community. Examples: a) Simple Living. By stopping consumptive activities during Nyepi, the community is invited to reflect on the importance of living simply and not excessively. b) Connectedness with Nature. Nyepi teaches that humans are part of nature, not rulers who can exploit resources without limits. c) Responsibility for the Environment. The practice of Nyepi reminds us of our responsibility to preserve nature for future generations.

Fourth, inspiration for the global environmental rescue movement. The ecological values contained in Nyepi can be an inspiration for the global environmental movement. Examples: a) Car-Free Day. The concept of stopping the use of motorized vehicles during Nyepi can be adopted in a car-free day campaign in big cities. b) Energy Saving. The practice of stopping the use of electricity during Nyepi can be a model for a global energy saving campaign. c) Ecological Reflection. Nyepi teaches the importance of reflection and introspection on the impact of human activities on the environment, which can be adopted in environmental education programs.

Let us protect and save nature and the surrounding environment from all forms of destructive exploitation. Restore the harmony of nature to its nature, caring for and planting for a better life for future generations. Thus, Mother Earth will continue to smile, flowing the water of life abundantly, according to the measure we need for sustainable survival. Happy Nyepi Day, Saka New Year 1947. Silence for sustainability for a better life.

I Gusti Ngurah Atmaja Doctoral Student of Religious Studies, IGB Sugriwa Hindu State University, Denpasar