On August 28, 2024, the International Conference of Young Social Scientists (ICYSS) welcomed participants from 11 countries to the prestigious Warmadewa University in Bali. This year, the conference featured a significant keynote address from Jero Tumbuk, a renowned advocate for the preservation of Balinese culture and the promotion of harmony with nature. The event brought together high school researchers from various nations, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with critical themes of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

A Voice for Cultural Preservation
Jero Tumbuk’s keynote speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of rapid globalization and modernization. As the steward of a community deeply rooted in Balinese traditions, Jero Tumbuk shared insights into how these ancient practices are maintained and passed down through generations. The audience, comprising young social scientists, was inspired by the ways in which Balinese traditions, such as the Subak system—a UNESCO-recognized cooperative irrigation method—have sustained the island’s agricultural landscapes and supported communal harmony for centuries.

Jero Tumbuk emphasized that preserving culture is not merely about maintaining old customs but about adapting them to contemporary challenges. The keynote highlighted the innovative approaches being taken to ensure that Bali’s cultural practices remain relevant and impactful in today’s world. This includes integrating traditional knowledge with modern education, empowering local communities, and fostering a deep connection with the natural environment.

Inspiring Young Researchers

The ICYSS 2024 conference served as an ideal platform for Jero Tumbuk to inspire the next generation of researchers. The keynote address was particularly poignant for the young social scientists, many of whom are at the beginning of their academic journeys. Jero Tumbuk’s message underscored the value of research that is not only academically rigorous but also culturally sensitive and environmentally conscious.

The keynote encouraged the young participants to explore the intersections between culture, environment, and society in their research. By drawing on the example of Bali’s harmonious relationship with nature, Jero Tumbuk urged the students to consider how traditional practices can inform solutions to contemporary global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and cultural homogenization.

A Call to Action

One of the key takeaways from Jero Tumbuk’s address was the call to action for young social scientists to become active participants in the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The speaker challenged the students to think critically about the role they can play in their own communities, whether by documenting and revitalizing endangered traditions, advocating for sustainable practices, or engaging in cross-cultural dialogues that promote mutual understanding and respect.

Jero Tumbuk also highlighted the importance of collaboration between local communities and the international research community. The speaker emphasized that global challenges require global solutions, and that young researchers have a unique opportunity to bridge cultural divides and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Impact and Reflections

The impact of Jero Tumbuk’s keynote speech was evident in the discussions that followed throughout the conference. Participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to their research, inspired by the examples of resilience and innovation shared during the keynote. Many of the young social scientists left the conference with a deeper appreciation for the role that culture and tradition play in shaping sustainable futures.

As the ICYSS 2024 conference drew to a close, it was clear that Jero Tumbuk’s message had resonated deeply with the participants. The keynote address not only provided valuable insights into the preservation of Balinese culture but also offered a broader vision of how young researchers can contribute to the global effort to protect cultural and natural heritage.

Jero Tumbuk’s participation as a keynote speaker at the International Conference of Young Social Scientists 2024 was a pivotal moment in the event. The address inspired young researchers from around the world to engage with the critical issues of cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. By sharing the wisdom of Bali’s traditions and the innovative approaches being taken to protect them, Jero Tumbuk left an indelible mark on the conference, encouraging the next generation of social scientists to pursue research that honors the past while addressing the challenges of the future.