During Matangi Bali’s discussion talk session, four remarkable women who actively took on roles to innovate and tackle the climate crisis were present, including Ni Nyoman Rida Bimastin and Prawita Tasya Karissa.
The growth of Bali’s economy, tourism, and infrastructure undeniably brings benefits and vibrancy to the island. However, how is this growth balanced with Bali’s environment these days?
While sustainability is often presented as a modern concept, our ancestors have long embedded principles of living in harmony with nature into the core of the Balinese way of life.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Sustainability discussion extends beyond economic activities and environmental conservation in Bali; it also touches on the struggle for gender equality and the multifaceted roles that women must juggle. Though this may seem unrelated, it is, in fact, our reality.
The unbearable traffic, pollution, unmanaged waste, and the increasingly evident impacts of the climate crisis have become part of our daily lives. We are constantly concerned about droughts, decreasing water levels, drastic temperature rises, and the effects on our health. This has led many to question, “Is it necessary to exploit and sacrifice our natural environment for economic welfare? And who exactly benefits the most from these economic activities?”
Women are often expected to juggle many roles as homemakers, wives, workers, and community members and to do so perfectly. However, this is not an inherent destiny for women, but rather expectations shaped by culture and society. The true essence of a woman's fate is her freedom to make choices and live her life according to her desires.
Our ancestors taught us numerous methods to maintain harmony with nature, such as waste management using teba (a two-meter-deep hole in the yard for organic waste decomposition) and using organic produce as offerings in ceremonies.
Women often take on a significant role in waste management, as society traditionally expects them to manage waste due to their involvement in household affairs. However, waste management is everyone’s responsibility. Conversely, discussions about electricity and energy are often considered men’s domain, despite the fact that women also use vehicles daily. It is intriguing how responsibilities are contextualized based on specific genders.
Is it a woman’s fate to juggle multiple roles?
During Matangi Bali’s discussion talk session, four remarkable women who actively took on roles to innovate and tackle the climate crisis were present, including Ni Nyoman Rida Bimastin and Prawita Tasya Karissa.
Prawita Tasya Karissa, Executive Director and Co-founder of Biorock Indonesia, shared her journey in establishing a startup dedicated to coral conservation. She highlighted the vital role of perseverance and courage in overcoming both personal and professional challenges, particularly as a woman.
“Women are often expected to juggle multiple roles—homemakers, wives, workers, and community members—and to do so flawlessly. However, these are not inherent destinies but expectations shaped by culture and society. The true essence of a woman’s fate lies in her freedom to make choices and live her life according to her desires,” she stated.
Women’s roles in various aspects of life are often more social constructs than its natural design. Tasya emphasized that a woman’s true fate lies in her ability to choose and pursue roles according to her will and potential, not out of societal norms.
Tasya also highlighted the importance of an ecosystem that supports diverse roles. In an inclusive ecosystem, women are given equal opportunities to grow and achieve their dreams. This includes support from family, educational institutions, workplaces, and the community at large. The role of male allies is also crucial in supporting women’s empowerment. Tasya emphasized that when men take part in the fight for gender equality, they not only contribute to creating a fairer environment but also help dismantle the stereotypes that constrain both genders.
Women tackling climate crisis with data-driven innovation
Ni Nyoman Rida Bimastin highlighted the decision-making process of female leaders in her startups MagiFarm. She emphasize the importance of taking data-driven decision. The startup committed to environmentally friendly practices, and using digital technology to leverage innovation that can create products and services that meet the market’s evolving demands. Rida underscored the importance of a sustainable business model that balances financial profit with environmental and social impacts. She illustrated this by showing how using recycled materials in production and adopting eco-friendly practices in the supply chain can help achieve a true vision of sustainability.
The smartest person is the one who learns from others
Tasya shared her first experience with discrimination, which occurred early in her career. She had reached the final stage of recruitment for a project officer position in a coral reef conservation project and had to undergo a health test. Despite being the only female candidate to reach this stage, she was not recruited because she was declared pregnant. This experience was a shock for Tasya. How could a woman preparing to welcome new life be denied a professional opportunity? This discrimination motivated Tasya to develop Biorock Indonesia into a tech startup focused on coral reef conservation, championing gender awareness, inclusion, and equality in business practices.
Tasya urged us to learn from her experience, emphasizing that inclusivity and equality are powerful and should not be limited. Today, Biorock has restored over 25 km² of coral reef areas across 16 islands and villages. She believes that when faced with numerous challenges, we should accept them actively, addressing and solving each one. By doing so, we channel our emotions and continue to grow as individuals. Her experience in building Biorock Indonesia was incredibly instructive for us.
Rest is an integral part of the journey
A report from Kompas.com mentioned that during Nyepi in Bali, a day of silence, emissions can reduced by approximately 12,000-14,000 CO2e. Additionally, air pollution concentrations drop by 47.07% compared to regular days.
Reflecting on this, I came to realize that understanding limits and knowing when to pause are essential for sustainable life and growth. What if this principle also applied to bustling constructions everywhere?
Nyepi, the Day of Silence celebrated by Hindus in Bali, the holy day offers profound lessons in introspection, self-control, and harmony with nature. On this day, all daily activities stop, including work, travel, and entertainment, allowing individuals the chance to reflect on their actions and decisions, and to improve themselves through deep introspection. The simplicity observed during Nyepi teaches the importance of self-control and reducing dependence on material things, fostering inner peace and genuine happiness.
Reflecting on the diverse roles and profound contributions of women leaders in Bali’s sustainable innovation startups, it’s clear they’re making a significant impact beyond business success. They show resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to protecting the environment. They inspire us to create supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
About Writer:
Ni Kadek Nia Nandita, born on April 18, 2003, in Denpasar, Bali, is currently a sixth-semester student majoring in Public Relations at the London School of Public Relations (LSPR) Bali.
Since 2023, Nia has been actively participating in various activities organized by New Energy Nexus Indonesia in Bali. Interested in issues concerning women and youth in the context of climate change, this year Nia continues her involvement by joining an internship program at New Energy Nexus Indonesia as a Communications Intern.
Lead image courtesy of New Energy Nexus Indonesia
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