GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – An eco-luxury resort in Ubud has launched a nature-based initiative to address persistent rat infestations affecting rice fields in the Ayung River area, aiming to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
Bambu Indah Resort, located in Sayan Village, has collaborated with the Owl Tower Bali Foundation to release trained owls as natural predators to control rat populations in nearby agricultural areas.
The program was carried out on Monday (April 6, 2026) in Bongkasa Village, with the participation of local authorities, subak representatives, and academics from Udayana University.
The initiative responds to ongoing challenges faced by farmers, where rat infestations have caused significant crop losses, reportedly affecting up to 40 hectares of rice fields in recent years.
John Hardy, owner of Bambu Indah, said the use of owls offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical rodenticides, which can harm ecosystems beyond their intended targets.
“Rat poison often damages the environment, not only targeting pests but also affecting other organisms. By reintroducing natural predators, we work with nature rather than against it,” he said.
The owls involved in the program have been trained to specifically prey on rats, making them an effective biological control method while maintaining ecological balance.
Local officials attending the initiative included representatives from Abiansemal District, Bongkasa Village administration, and traditional subak leaders, reflecting community involvement in the program.
According to Orin Hardy, the initiative goes beyond pest control and is part of a broader effort to preserve Bali’s ecological and cultural heritage.
“Rice fields in Bali are more than just landscapes; they are living ecosystems and cultural expressions maintained through the subak system for generations,” he said.
The program is expected to help reduce chemical use in farming, support sustainable agriculture practices, and protect the long-term health of Bali’s agricultural environment.