The Philosophy of Kerta Bumi: The Spirit of Devotion and Service by I Made Daging.
Amid the tides of change, where the land silently witnesses the evolution of civilizations, a man was born who dedicated his life to nurturing and serving the earth beneath his feet. That man is I Made Daging, a leader whose sense of devotion flows through his veins. To him, land is not merely property but a noble heritage imbued with soul and meaning. His life philosophy, which he calls Kerta Bumi, is more than just a principle—it is a moral compass guiding every step and decision he makes.
I Made Daging grew up in Jembrana, Bali, an island renowned worldwide for its beauty. However, for Made, Bali is more than just a tourist destination—it is the mother who nurtured him, the place where he learned the harmony between humanity, nature, and spirituality. From a young age, he often heard stories about the importance of maintaining a connection with the land, which the Balinese believe to be a sacred element that must be treated with utmost respect.
This love and responsibility toward the land led Made to enroll at the National Land College (Sekolah Tinggi Pertanahan Nasional or STPN). There, he delved deeper into the study of land affairs. For Made, land is not merely about maps and certificates; it is an integral part of human identity and a legacy to be preserved with fairness and sincerity. After graduating from STPN, he embarked on a long journey in the field of land management—a journey filled with challenges and lessons.
His career began as Head of the Subdivision for Land Rights Allocation, then as Head of the Division for Disputes, Conflicts, and Cases. Later, he served as the Head of the Land Office in Gianyar Regency. In his role, he often listened directly to the concerns of the people regarding land disputes, ownership confusion, and fears about family inheritance. Made was present not just as an official but as someone who listened, understood, and sought solutions. After Gianyar, he continued his work in Badung, a region where tradition and modernity converge, bringing increasingly complex challenges. However, in every task, the philosophy of Kerta Bumi remained his guide. He believed that peace could only be achieved when humans and their relationship with the land were in harmony.
Made’s devotion did not stop in Bali. He was later entrusted to serve as Director of Land Regulation for the Government. Subsequently, he was appointed Head of the National Land Agency (BPN) for the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, a region vastly different from his homeland. There, he faced land conflicts associated with tin mining—a sector vital to the local economy but often a source of social tension. With an approach emphasizing dialogue and deliberation, Made became a mediator who brought justice to the people. He understood that resolving land disputes was not merely a legal matter but also about building trust and fostering harmony.
In addition to resolving conflicts, Made wholeheartedly supported the national Systematic Land Registration Program (PTSL), a program designed to provide legal certainty over land ownership. To him, this program was a tangible step toward achieving social justice. He personally visited fields, spoke with farmers, fishermen, and indigenous communities, ensuring that everyone received rightful ownership of their land. These efforts not only created immediate impacts but also left a legacy of dedication remembered by many.
After completing his duties in Bangka Belitung, Made returned to his homeland, Bali, as Head of the BPN Regional Office for the Province of Bali. His return was like coming back to the embrace of a mother after years of wandering. However, he returned with broader experience and insights, ready to face new challenges. In Bali, he continued his mission, ensuring that ancestral lands were preserved amidst modernization and the rapid growth of tourism. He focused not only on land administration but also on cultural and environmental preservation, firmly believing that Bali’s land is a witness to traditional values that must remain alive.
The philosophy of Kerta Bumi is the essence of everything Made does. For him, land is more than just space; it is the foundation of life and the place where future generations will grow. To serve the land is to serve humanity, God, and life itself. This philosophy earned him respect wherever he served. Made was not confined to working behind a desk; he was present in the community—listening, understanding, and offering tangible solutions.
Now, after a long journey, I Made Daging has become a symbol of sincere and selfless devotion. The younger generation views him as a role model—a leader who has proven that true strength lies in humility, the ability to listen, and the courage to serve. He teaches us that preserving the land is not just the government’s duty but the shared responsibility of all humanity.
The story of I Made Daging reminds us that a simple philosophy like Kerta Bumi can become a powerful force for change. With love, respect, and unwavering dedication, he has shown the world that harmony between humanity and the land is the key to true peace. Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, Made reminds us to return to the core of existence: to care for what gives us life. Beneath Bali’s blue skies, on the land he lovingly tended, his legacy of devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.
By: Ngurah Sigit
Author: Sociologist, Cultural Expert, and Media Observer
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