TEMPO.CO, Nusa Dua, Bali – Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno proposed the inclusion of the Balinese custom of Mercat as an activity for the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) to be held in Bali.
Merkat is a sacred ritual in Balinese Hinduism that cleanses and purifies an individual of physical and spiritual impurities to restore inner harmony. It is also a spiritual tourist attraction.
“There were many requests,” he said on the sidelines of the 10th WWF Preparation and Coordination Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Saturday.
He said several requests have been received regarding the Mercat ceremony to launch the 10th WWF, scheduled for May 18-25.
Uno explained that requests for Mercat have increased since American musician Usher performed a ceremony while on vacation in Bali in early March.
“Usher and several other international celebrities helped popularize it,” he emphasized.
Mr. Uno said that Mercat’s agenda was being considered as one of the forum support activities for the triennial event.
Bali’s unique cultural heritage, including Mercat, adds a special charm to WWF events compared to implementation in other countries.
Indonesia has been selected to host the 10th WWF through the World Water Congress (WWC) General Assembly to be held in Dakar, Senegal on March 19, 2022.
The forum, themed ‘Water for Shared Prosperity’, is expected to attract thousands of delegates from 193 countries around the world.
antara
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