Governor Wayan Koster stated that the Bali Provincial Government will provide training and education to pecalang, while also encouraging them to adapt to technological advancements.
Governor Koster revealed that the challenges currently facing Bali could potentially threaten its traditions and local wisdom. Therefore, the capacity of pecalang, who are an integral part of the traditional villages, needs to be strengthened.
He emphasized the importance of ethics and proper conduct, as pecalang should behave sympathetically and avoid arrogant or harsh actions.
As reported by Nusabali, “Pecalang Bali needs to be strengthened, including their ethics and politeness. They should not be arrogant, proud, or shout at people carelessly; they should act with sympathy,” said Governor Koster.
Training to Safeguard Security and Tradition
As part of implementing Bali Governor Regulation No. 26 of 2020 on the Integrated Environmental Security System Based on Traditional Villages, Bali Provincial Government will provide training to enhance the pecalang’s ability to maintain security in Bali.
Governor Koster encourages pecalang to collaborate with security forces and technology to create better synergy. This Governor Regulation mandates pecalang to join the government security forces and the Indonesian National Army /National Police in ensuring security in Bali.
“I urge the community to support pecalang because security is not only the responsibility of the government or security forces but is a shared responsibility,” said Governor Koster, who is from Sembiran Village, Tejakula District, Buleleng.
Maintaining Traditional Villages
Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, the Grand Chief of the Bali Traditional Village Council, mentioned that the 2025 Pecalang Bali Grand Ceremony aims to consolidate the duties of pecalang in safeguarding the awig-awig (customary laws) of the traditional villages.
The Grand Ceremony, themed “Malarapan Gelar Agung Pacalang Bali Prasida Ngawerdiang Jagat Bali Niskala-Sekala,” was attended by tens of thousands of pecalang from 1,500 traditional villages across Bali.
In addition to consolidation, the Grand Ceremony also served as a preparation for the upcoming Nyepi Day 1947, which coincides with the month of Ramadan. It was advised that Muslims in Bali, who will perform Tarawih prayers at mosques, should walk instead of using motor vehicles.
According to Antaranews, “Religious leaders agreed that the Tarawih prayers could be performed according to a schedule set by the religious figures, followed by walking to the nearest mosque without using loudspeakers,” said Grand Chief Putra Sukahet.
Synergy to Ensures Bali’s Security
Putra Sukahet emphasized the importance of humanistic values for pecalang in maintaining security, especially during the Nyepi celebration. The synergy between the TNI and pecalang is also expected to maintain security in Bali during both the Nyepi and Idul Fitri celebrations.
Maj. Gen. TNI Muhammad Zamroni, the Commander of Military Regional Command IX/Udayana, affirmed that the TNI is ready to cooperate with pecalang to maintain order in Bali’s traditional areas.
This event, attended by thousands of pecalang and high-ranking officials, including the Bali Police Chief (Kapolda Bali) and Commander of Regional Military Command 163/WSA (Danrem), aimed to strengthen the role of pecalang in maintaining Bali’s security, particularly in preparation for Nyepi Day.
The integrated security program will also be further supported by the TNI, including through training and development for pecalang to enhance collaboration between security forces and the traditional community in maintaining public order in Bali.
“With good synergy between security forces and the local community, it is hoped that Bali’s security and order will continue to be preserved, in line with the progress of the times,” concluded Colonel Agung.
Sources : NusaBali, AntaraNews
Feat Image : via IndonesiaTravel