Sustainable Water Resource Governance and the Integration of Local Wisdom in Bali

This study examines several regulations related to water resources, emphasizing the necessity for existing legislation to be environmentally oriented. The utilization of water resources in Bali to date has not sufficiently adhered to the principles of environmental management, such as the precautionary principle, equity, and community-oriented approaches. This research addresses governance issues in the utilization of water resources, underscoring the imperative of aligning such practices with environmental considerations. Accordingly, it proposes the formulation of water resource policies that are oriented towards sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development. The research employs a normative legal method, analyzing existing laws and regulations related to water resources, both for daily community needs and for industrial purposes. The findings indicate that sustainable water resource management must be based on strategies that aim to balance and harmonize economic, ecological, and socio-cultural dimensions. Such strategies enhance water utility, minimize losses, and support environmental restoration and conservation. In the Province of Bali, the adoption of Danu Kerthi as a policy foundation represents a progressive and exemplary approach for other regions. Danu Kerthi as a policy basis demonstrates that the Balinese government integrates not only technocratic and legalistic approaches, but also cultural values as guiding principles for environmental conservation. This reflects a form of cultural ecological awareness, where water preservation is regarded not solely as a governmental responsibility, but also as a spiritual and communal practice. Similarly, within the framework of Sad Kerthi, Danu Kerthi teaches that water is not merely a commodity but a sacred, living entity whose purity must be protected, as it is intrinsically linked to ecological balance and human existence. This philosophy aligns with contemporary conservation principles and offers a powerful model for local ecological ethics—reminding us that natural resources also encompass moral and spiritual dimensions.