I Gede Bramayudha, Ketut Agustini, I Nengah Eka Mertayasa, Titiyaka Binti Jajuri, Joseph Edwards

Utilization of 3D Animation Technology in Subak Preservation: Maintaining Social Balance in Balinese Cultural Heritage

Introduction

Utilization of 3d animation technology in subak preservation: maintaining social balance in balinese cultural heritage. Discover how 3D animation preserves Balinese Subak, a traditional irrigation system & cultural heritage. This study uses digital media to enhance understanding of Subak's social balance.

Abstract

Subak, a traditional Balinese irrigation system, is an agricultural management method and a cultural heritage embodying the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. However, modern challenges such as land-use changes, urbanization, and declining agricultural engagement among younger generations threaten its sustainability. This study aims to develop a 3D animated film as an educational tool to enhance public understanding of pawongan, the social aspect of subak, through digital media. The research follows the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method for animation production and a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test evaluations to measure its effectiveness. Data analysis includes paired sample t-tests to assess comprehension improvements and qualitative analysis from interviews and observations. Results show that the experimental group, which watched the animation, demonstrated a significantly higher understanding of pawongan than the control group, which received conventional education methods. Furthermore, audience engagement and discussions post-viewing suggest that digital media fosters a stronger emotional connection and motivation for cultural preservation. This study highlights the novel use of 3D animation as an effective medium for cultural education, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and digital learning. Future research should explore interactive applications, such as augmented reality (AR) or gamification, to enhance public engagement and long-term impact on subak preservation.

Review

This paper presents a timely and innovative approach to preserving Subak, the traditional Balinese irrigation system, a crucial cultural heritage facing significant modern threats. By employing 3D animation technology, the authors aim to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary digital learning, specifically focusing on enhancing understanding of *pawongan*, the social dimension of Subak. The chosen methodology, combining the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) for animation production with a robust quasi-experimental design, demonstrates a well-structured plan to develop and evaluate the educational tool. This novel application of animation for cultural preservation is a significant contribution, offering a fresh perspective on engaging younger generations with deeply rooted cultural philosophies like Tri Hita Karana. The research effectively demonstrates the power of digital media in cultural education. The findings, particularly the significantly higher understanding of *pawongan* in the experimental group exposed to the 3D animation compared to the control group, strongly validate the animation's effectiveness. Furthermore, the qualitative data highlighting increased audience engagement, emotional connection, and motivation for preservation underscore the potential of this medium to foster deeper cultural appreciation and a sense of responsibility. The study successfully establishes 3D animation as a potent tool for conveying complex cultural concepts, making traditional knowledge accessible and engaging in a digital age. While the study makes a strong case for 3D animation, some aspects could benefit from further exploration. The details of the "conventional education methods" used for the control group, for instance, could be elaborated to provide a clearer baseline for comparison. Future work, as rightly suggested by the authors, should focus on interactive applications like augmented reality (AR) or gamification to deepen public engagement and explore the long-term impact of such interventions on actual preservation efforts. Expanding the study to assess comprehension of other aspects of Subak beyond *pawongan*, or its applicability in different cultural contexts, would also be valuable next steps, further solidifying the animation's potential as a versatile educational tool.

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