The cultural legacy of Balinese Art

Balinese art covers a wide range of skills that have been nurtured and preserved for centuries. Each art form tells a unique story and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Balinese people. In this blog, we will explore the significance of traditional Balinese art and why it is crucial to preserve these invaluable treasures.

Dance: A gateway to spiritual expression

One cannot speak of Balinese art without mentioning its captivating dance forms. Balinese dances are not simply performances but can be spiritual expressions deeply rooted in Hindu belief and mythology. They serve as a medium to connect with the gods and transmit the island's cultural narratives. The sophisticated hand and eye movements, graceful gestures, and colourful costumes all contribute to the mesmerizing beauty of Balinese dance.

Woodwork: A celebration of nature and mythology

Wood carving is another popular art form in Bali, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of local artisans. Balinese woodwork combines elements of nature and mythology, creating intricate sculptures, masks, and architectural features. These artworks often depict Hindu deities, mystical creatures, or scenes from Balinese folklore.

Painting: Colourful narratives on canvas

Balinese painting has a unique style characterized by vivid colours, meticulous details, and intricate brushwork. The compositions range from religious themes and mythological tales to scenes from daily life and nature. Traditional Balinese painting applies specific techniques and styles, such as the Kamasan style, characterized by its flat and stylized forms.

Jewellery Making: Ancient inspirations, modern creations

Balinese jewellery holds a unique charm that sets it apart. Delicately designed and crafted with exquisite attention to detail, it reflects the island's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The use of colourful gemstones, precious metals, and traditional techniques further enhances its allure. Balinese jewellery represents the island's identity and connects local people to their roots.

Music: Harmonizing cultural traditions

Balinese music, with its mesmerizing gamelan orchestra, is an integral part of the island's cultural harmony. The resonant sounds of gongs, metallophones, and drums create a rhythmic tapestry that accompanies various ceremonies, rituals, and performances. Balinese music is a communal experience that brings people together and preserves the spirit of collective identity.

Stone Sculpture: Carving timeless beauty

The art of stone sculpture in Bali is a testament to the mastery and patience of Balinese artisans. Intricately carved statues and reliefs can be found in temples, palaces, and public spaces throughout the island. These stone sculptures often depict deities, mythological figures, or scenes from Hindu epics. The ancient art form is not only a testimony of the remarkable skills of Balinese sculptors but also perpetuates the visual language that embodies the island's cultural identity.

Weaving: Ancient techniques and designs

Balinese weaving is a highly skilled craft that produces exquisite textiles renowned for their intricate patterns and vibrant colours. The weavers employ ancient techniques passed down through generations, using traditional tools and natural plant dyes. The elaborate motifs and designs found in woven textiles often carry symbolic meanings, representing aspects of nature, deities, or local folklore.

Traditional Balinese art forms hold immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. They are not merely aesthetic expressions but represent cultural heritage and identity. Preserving these artistic traditions ensures the continuity of ancient techniques, cultural narratives, and communal experiences. By valuing and supporting Balinese artisans, Volunteer Programs Forever's affiliated brand Bali Touch honours the rich tapestry of the island's history. Its sustainable products encourage the flourishing of local artisans and offer future generations a career in the vibrant and diverse world of Balinese creativity.


Expanding horizons: A future beyond tourism in Bali

Bali, the Indonesian island renowned for its picturesque beauty and rich cultural heritage, has long flourished in its tourism industry. However, as we focus on the future, the long-term sustainability and well-being of Balinese generations becomes increasingly important to consider. While tourism has been a vital source of income for many locals, diversifying job opportunities outside the industry may offer a sustainable path forward. In this blog, we will explore why it is valuable for future generations to seek employment outside the Balinese tourism sector and how higher education can play a powerful role in this transition.

Economic Resilience

Being dependent on a single industry, such as tourism, can make a region vulnerable to economic downturns and swings. Balinese communities have witnessed first-hand the impact of crises like the eruption of Mount Agung in 2017 and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, both severely affecting tourism. Future generations can therefore benefit from more diversified employment opportunities in order to become more economically resilient. Higher education provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various sectors, such as health care, technology, finance, renewable energy, and disaster risk reduction, nursing a more stable and sustainable economy.

Preserving Culture and Tradition

As tourism has boomed, concerns about the impact on Balinese culture and traditions have been raised. Local customs sometimes fall short due to the over-commercialisation in areas exposed to mass tourism. By encouraging young generations to pursue higher education and seek employment in fields related to culture, anthropology, or the arts, they can become ambassadors for their Balinese heritage. With a deeper understanding of their traditions and a solid academic foundation, they can work towards preserving and promoting the richness of Balinese culture to the world while maintaining its authenticity.

Sustainable Development

Extensive tourism often comes with environmental consequences, such as overexploitation of resources, pollution, and habitat destruction. Balinese youth, equipped with higher education, can actively contribute to sustainable development efforts. For instance, studying environmental sciences or sustainable architecture can empower them to find innovative solutions to ecological challenges. By engaging in sustainable practices and promoting eco-tourism initiatives, they can help preserve Bali's natural beauty for generations to come.

Job Creation

By diversifying the job market, higher education enables Balinese youth to create new employment opportunities rather than merely seeking jobs in an already saturated sector. They can develop the skills needed to create and run their own businesses through studies in entrepreneurship or business management. These companies can then cater to emerging industries, such as technology start-ups, agroecology, or sustainable fashion, thereby generating employment for themselves and others.

Empowerment

Higher education plays a vital role in empowering individuals, fostering personal growth, and enhancing social welfare. By gaining advanced knowledge and critical thinking, Balinese youth can become leaders and changemakers in their communities. Higher education allows them to explore various career paths, discover their passions, and contribute meaningfully to society. As future generations exceed outside the tourism sector, they can uplift their communities, address social issues, and advocate for sustainable development.

While the tourism sector has undeniably provided economic opportunities for Balinese communities for a long time, it is essential to consider the long-term sustainability and well-being of future generations. By expanding their horizons through higher education and creating diverse job opportunities, the young minds can contribute to economic resilience, preserve their culture, promote sustainable development, create new jobs, and empower themselves and their communities.

Volunteer Programs Forever embraces the potential of Balinese youth by fundraising scholarships through Soul Projects to pave the way towards a sustainable and prosperous future beyond tourism.


The hidden crisis: Inadequate housing and insufficient healthcare in Bali

Known for its stunning landscapes and cultural richness, Bali attracts millions of visitors yearly. But behind the tourist façade of the tropical island hides a lesser-known reality, as many of its population struggle with inadequate housing and lack of access to healthcare services.

In this blog, we seek to understand the impact of these two challenges on underprivileged communities in Bali and their deep link.

While the island is popular for its luxurious villas and beachfront resorts, poor housing conditions are a harsh reality for many Balinese families, especially in remote areas. The shortage of proper sanitation, limited access to clean water, and inadequate living space can contribute to the spread of diseases and affect overall well-being. Furthermore, the lack of solid housing exposes vulnerable individuals to the risk of homelessness due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake, forcing them to live in constant uncertainty.

The link between inadequate housing and poor health is undeniable. Poor housing conditions can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin infections, and mental health disorders. Mould, dampness, and poor ventilation in overcrowded spaces contribute to the prevalence of respiratory ailments, while unhygienic living conditions increase the risk of infectious diseases.

While healthcare should be a basic right for every human being, it feels like a luxury for many Balinese. Public healthcare facilities are often overburdened and may struggle to provide quality care due to resource constraints and limited financial resources.

Moreso, the remote nature of some rural communities makes it challenging for many residents in Bali to access services. Factors such as geographic location and transportation limitations create barriers preventing individuals from seeking medical attention. This is particularly problematic for individuals requiring specialized care or emergency treatment, as delays can have dire consequences for their health and well-being. Without proper medical care, preventable illnesses become chronic and debilitating, affecting an individual's productivity and ability to escape the cycle of poverty.

Limited access to decent healthcare and employment opportunities in remote communities make it difficult for some Balinese to escape the poverty cycle, and the resulting financial constraints often restrict their ability to prioritize health-related expenses.

Additionally, the lack of health education and awareness within these communities hinders the prevention and management of diseases. During the pandemic, Volunteer Programs Forever offered health classes through the Forever Learning Centres to raise awareness and educated communities about disease prevention and hygiene practices. By empowering individuals with knowledge, such preventive healthcare measures reduce the burden on the healthcare system in the long run.

The link between inadequate housing and lack of healthcare in underprivileged communities in Bali creates a big challenge. Improving housing conditions is an essential step toward breaking the poverty cycle and enhancing the well-being of marginalized individuals. By addressing the issue with a comprehensive and collaborative approach through our Soul Projects, Volunteer Programs Forever works towards creating a brighter future for Bali's most vulnerable populations.


Beyond the tourist bubble: Uncovering poverty in Bali

Often concealed by the island’s stunning beauty, many villages in Bali experience extreme poverty amidst the backdrop of beachfront resorts. Particularly rural communities in the northern regencies are facing hidden struggles. In these areas, poverty is sustained by a combination of factors fuelling the ever-widening wealth gap. To understand the complexities of poverty in Bali, it is crucial to look beyond the tourist bubble and explore the key elements to gain insight into the challenges faced by Balinese families.

Limited Access To Education

The lack of access to quality education is one of the key causes of poverty in Bali. A number of rural areas lack proper educational infrastructure, such as nearby schools, qualified teachers, and learning materials, restricting children from obtaining the essential skills and knowledge to be able to fulfil their potential.

Furthermore, financial constraints often prevent families from sending their children beyond middle school. Education expenses for school uniforms, textbooks, and transportation costs can be unaffordable for families living below the poverty line. As a result, children are deprived of the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty through education.

Insufficient Health Services

Another major obstacle faced by rural villages in Bali is access to quality healthcare. The absence of proper healthcare facilities leaves residents vulnerable to various diseases and illnesses. The distance can often become a barrier, as the nearest hospitals or clinics may be located far away, making it difficult for community members to receive timely medical attention.

Moreover, healthcare services can be expensive, and many families struggle to afford even basic medical treatments. The lack of healthcare infrastructure and high costs make it challenging for individuals to maintain good health, impacting their ability to work and generate a steady income.

Inadequate Housing

Inadequate housing contributes further to poverty in Balinese villages. Many families have limited access to clean water and sanitation and live in buildings with weak structures, leaving residents vulnerable to natural disasters and at risk of losing their homes and possessions.

Poor housing conditions can negatively affect the overall well-being of community members. In addition, lack of proper sanitation facilities and overcrowded living spaces contribute to the spread of diseases and health issues, reinforcing the cycle of poverty within these communities.

Salaries Below A Living Wage

Formal employment opportunities are hard to find in traditional villages in Bali. As a result, residents often find themselves working in informal or low-paying jobs, earning salaries that fall below the minimum wage. This insufficient income makes it exceedingly difficult for individuals and families to escape the cycle of poverty as they struggle to meet their basic needs.

The Financial Burden Of Ceremonies

Balinese culture is rich with vibrant ceremonies and rituals. However, these ceremonies can place a heavy financial burden on families and cannot be overlooked as a critical factor contributing towards poverty in Bali. Traditional ceremonies often involve elaborate preparations, including purchasing offerings, organizing feasts, and covering various other expenses.

For families already struggling to make ends meet, the financial strain of these ceremonies may deepen their economic hardships. The pressure to conform to cultural expectations and societal norms can hinder their ability to save or invest in more essential needs, such as education, healthcare, or improving their living conditions.

Poverty in Bali is a complex issue determined by multiple factors. Addressing the challenges requires a versatile approach that improves education, access to healthcare, housing conditions, and income opportunities. Volunteer Programs Forever is committed to developing the potential of underprivileged communities in Bali with sustainable solutions. Together, we can create a brighter future and help break the cycle of poverty.


A brief look at Indonesia’s education system

Believe it or not, Indonesia’s education system is the fourth-largest in the world. Over 50 million students, 3 million teachers, and over 250,000 schools are spread across the archipelago. Those numbers keep on growing every year!

Being the most populous country in Southeast Asia and the fourth globally, it is no wonder that Indonesia’s education system is immense! Of course, managing it isn’t an easy job. Three ministries supervise and organize the entire system: the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Research and Technology. The Ministry of Education is concerned with compulsory education, i.e. kindergartens to senior high schools; the Ministry of Religious Affairs with Islamic schools known as madrasahs and other religious schools; and the Ministry of Research and Technology with universities and polytechnics.

In a broad sense, schools can be divided into two types based on who’s running them: government or private. Government-sponsored schools are primarily public schools and universities, whereas private schools are operated by either a foundation or a non-governmental body. Within private schools, there are “national plus” schools. This term for private schools complements the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education with an additional curriculum, such as the Cambridge curriculum or uses another language besides Bahasa Indonesia as the language of instruction (usually English or Mandarin).

Indonesians attend school for 12 years. They spend their first six years in elementary school (sekolah dasar; SD), where they learn basic subjects such as science, maths, language (foreign and Bahasa Indonesia), arts and crafts, religion, and civic education. They then move on to junior high (sekolah menengah pertama; SMP) for three years, learning more complex subjects such as biology and world history. Finally, they continue on to either senior high (sekolah menengah atas; SMA) or vocational school (sekolah menengah kejuruan; SMK) before moving on to university.

In senior high, students can usually choose their preferred major from Natural Science, Social Science, or Language. Another path is to select a religious school (madrasah). The only difference is that the Ministry of Religious Affairs sets the curriculum in religious schools, which includes Islamic teachings.

Some schools also offer additional classes in the afternoon, from 3 PM to 6 PM. These classes are often held when it’s close to exam times to provide tutoring and extra material in preparation for exams. Privileged students, especially high school seniors, attend cram schools at night to help them pass the university admission test.

The day of a student in Indonesia is rather dull. Students are expected to come to school early, around 7-8 AM, and remain there until the afternoon, around 1-2 PM. That’s 6 hours of sitting still! They get two breaks: one in the morning (9-10 PM) and another for lunch. In the classroom, the usual method of instruction is reminiscent of enlightenment education: communication is primarily one-way, with the teacher explaining the subject while students take notes. Creative learning or learning through action is often kept to a minimum, even in primary education.

The Indonesian education system mainly concentrates on passing standardized tests and puts minimal emphasis on nurturing critical thinking or creative arts. Students are often discouraged during the lesson to ask questions or present a critical rebuttal towards the teacher. Such behaviour is ingrained in Eastern culture, where the teacher is a figure of authority who must be respected. The act of asking a question is deemed disrespectful. If the teacher fails to answer, it may cause them to “lose face”. Questioning the teacher would also embarrass the student, implying they could not comprehend the teacher’s explanation, leading the student to “lose face”.

As such, emphasis is put on memorization and the ability to answer questions “by the book”, not on critical or creative thinking. The end goal of any class is to pass the standardized exams held at the end of every semester. Standardized tests are almost always multiple-choice, like the SAT; essay-based questions are more common at university level.

Education is one of the government’s central agendas, as specified in Law No. 20/2003 regarding National Education. The government invests 20 percent of the national budget annually into improving education. Most investments go towards repairing schools in remote areas, providing training and certification for teachers, and providing financial assistance for less privileged students. A large portion is invested in primary education, whereas secondary and tertiary education still lacks government support.


Kites in Bali: high hopes for an abundant harvest

Kite-flying is not just a pastime in Bali; it’s a tradition. When winds are favourable, and a heavenly message needs to be sent, the Balinese construct massive kites and fly them sky-high to let the gods know that the people wish for an abundant harvest.

Kites in Bali have existed for a long time and are often regarded as religious objects. Kites were initially used to send messages to the gods above and were constructed in such a way to depict Hindu gods. Red, black, and white are commonly used colours. The most common shapes are called bebean and janggan, or fish and bird, respectively. The bebean looks like a gigantic fish with an open mouth, while the janggan boasts a long tail reaching over 100 meters in length to imitate a majestic bird flying in the sky! The pecukan is another common kite; it is shaped like a leaf and is the hardest to fly because it’s precarious.

When it comes to kites, it’s all about teamwork. Villagers come together at the village hall to construct kites. They all pool in something – from materials, money, or even snacks – so everything works smoothly. During certain stages of construction, priests are called to bless the kite. Once the kite is finished, it is then transported to the beach or any other open area with strong winds to be flown. It takes a coordinated effort to get the kites off the ground. With more giant kites, sometimes a 300-meter sprint is needed to get it airborne! Usually, 70-80 people are on the kite team, sometimes more, depending on the size.

In Bali, July to early September is usually kite season due to good winds. The annual Bali Kite Festival is also held during these months. It is an international event that involves hundreds of villages competing for their kites with one another. And when I say competition, I mean it. From trash-talking to aerial dogfights, the adrenaline is high. For the peaceful, there are also non-traditional kites or “New Creation”, which deviate from traditional shapes and are purely artistic. It is usually held at Padang Galak Beach in Sanur and is a great event for seeing a modern version of Balinese tradition!


The sacred banyan tree

Have you ever noticed shrines beneath gigantic banyan trees? Or have you seen banyan trees dressed in checkered cloth?

In Hindu lore, the banyan tree is considered sacred because it is said to be where the gods and spirits of deceased ancestors love hanging out. Shiva and Durga love hanging around the banyan tree, making it emit large amounts of spiritual energy. Thus, shrines are built to appease the gods and give them a nice place to rest!

Additionally, some locals believe the banyan tree's spiritual energy attracts demons. Cleansing ceremonies are performed routinely, especially in banyan trees near cemeteries, and there's usually a special shrine dedicated to appeasing these demons and possibly warding them off.

The belief that banyan trees are sacred is not exclusive to Balinese Hindus. In fact, the banyan tree is featured in countries and religions all across Asia-Pacific.

The banyan is depicted on the national coat of arms in Indonesia. It is a symbol of the unity and power of Indonesia. With its roots capable of expanding to far places and its sheer size, it's a perfect symbol.

In India, where Hinduism originated, the banyan tree is the country's national tree. It is also highly revered. The sacredness of the tree comes from the belief that Lord Krishna rests on the leaves of the banyan tree.

In Buddhism, the banyan tree is often used as a metaphor for lust overcoming humans. This is related to the epiphytic nature of the tree, where the banyan often harmlessly overtakes plants surrounding it during its expansion.

The banyan is also considered sacred in the Philippines, as it is a home for both good and evil spirits alike. It is customary in the Philippines not to directly point at a banyan tree because it may offend the spirits dwelling inside. When near a banyan tree, one must utter words of respect to prevent provoking evil spirits.

So next time you pass a banyan tree wearing checkered cloth and its shrine loaded with offerings, don't think the Balinese literally worship trees. It's the Balinese way of giving the gods a nice place to relax on Earth!


Culinary Bali: Nasi campur

Walk through the streets of Bali, and you can always find someone selling rice over an open table with assorted meats and veggies. This dish is what the locals call nasi campur, or mixed rice, and it's a culinary adventure!

Nasi campur is a general term for any rice dish served with assorted meats or vegetables. It is not a Bali-exclusive term; it's more of an Indonesian thing.

Usually, nasi campur is sold by street hawkers in brown wrapping paper or a banana leaf folded in a cone. It is generally called nasi bungkus, which literally means "wrapped rice". If already wrapped, you can't select what kinds of additions you want to eat; this type of nasi campur is for people on the go. It's a cheap way to keep an empty stomach at bay!

Some sellers have a table or showcase with lots of food on it. Sometimes they are out in the open on the side of a busy street or inside a closed establishment. You can mix your own nasi campur when there's a food display! You can point out which kinds of food you want with your rice, and the seller will charge you accordingly.

Balinese nasi campur usually consists of rice (obviously), some meat, lots of veggies, and the obligatory sambal. There's also a lot to choose from. Sometimes, there are multiple types of rice: do you fancy plain white rice, brown rice, or white rice mixed with cassava or sweet corn? There's also a wide variety of veggies: would you like water spinach with sambal (the notorious plecing) or some lawar? There's also a selection of meat, served in different fashions: would you prefer babi guling, red spicy pulled chicken, or duck? To top it all off, sambal is the main condiment and fried shallots or cucumber slices for taste.

Since it is ubiquitous, you'll find different sellers with different signature dishes, often within proximity to one another. That one nasi campur lady may serve amazing fried tofu, but the other lady could have excellent chicken. The dish also differs based on the region so you might find a different variety of nasi campur in Ubud and another kind in Denpasar.

Nasi campur is also sold in restaurants, from cheap to expensive ones. Thus, there's no single "perfect" nasi campur; it's up to you to craft (or find) your perfect blend. There's no better way to experience Bali than on a plate!


Mass cremation in a Balinese village

Life cycle rites are significant moments for the Balinese. The cycle starts with ceremonies for an unborn baby and ends with the last ceremony of life, the cremation. According to Balinese culture, the ceremonies must be done well, as there is a strong belief in the afterlife and reincarnation. Balinese people aren’t easily stressed, but the one thing that can create stress is the thought of not being able to afford the cremation of your parents and other close family. Cremations can financially ruin poor and middle-class families who, by tradition, must provide a suitable cremation ceremony for their loved ones, which can cost thousands of dollars. When you are a farmer earning only hundreds of dollars per year, it can mean selling your land or not putting your kids in school.

Fortunately, many Balinese villages have adopted the practice of Ngaben Massal (mass cremations), where all people who die over a larger period (approximately five years) are cremated simultaneously. This mass cremation helps because it allows more affluent families to subsidize poor ones and allows every family to perform their sacred obligations to their loved ones. Often the banjar (Balinese community) also supports this big event by helping the families who can’t afford the whole process but only a part of it.

Last September, a Ngaben Massal took place in the village where one of our programs is located and the founder of VP Forever lives. At Volunteer Programs Bali, we put a high value on community life.

Therefore, during the days of preparations for this ceremony, we have been actively involved. A few days before the cremation ceremony, we helped clean the whole village area. In this way, Volunteer Programs Forever showed respect for the village to help them make the area rubbish-free before the big ceremony started.

Volunteer Programs Bali supported the village by donating to the village head so he could use that money to support the families for the ceremony. Also, sugar, coffee and rice were donated to the members of the community.

Besides that, the founder has also been attending the ceremony to show our respect. The local community greatly appreciated our efforts to be involved in their cultural activities.

It was very special to experience such a wonderful and essential event up close, and we are grateful that the community gave us this opportunity.


Tumpek Wayang: the day of art and bad luck

Tumpek Wayang is the day of art and also the day of bad luck for those born on that day.

Tumpek Wayang is a recurring rahinan, or special day, for the Balinese. It occurs every six months and is always on a Saturday, but there is no specific date due to the differences in the Gregorian and Balinese calendars. Without going deeper into the complicated Balinese calendar, you should know that there are 30 wuku in the Balinese calendar. Each wuku has seven days, making for a total of 210 days in one Balinese year. Tumpek Wayang happens on the seventh day of the twenty-seventh wuku. But perhaps that’s something to discuss in a later post.

Of all the Tumpek days in the Balinese calendar (yes, there are many of them!), Tumpek Wayang is considered the most mystical. It is said in old Balinese records that on Tumpek Wayang, the god Shiva permits a demon to devour a child born on the day. Thus to protect newborns, the Balinese conduct a special ceremony called the Sapuh Leger to ward off demons and prevent harm from befalling the child. The Sapuh Leger ceremony requires the help of a puppeteer, who will play special puppets as part of the ceremony.

It is also believed that Tumpek Wayang is a very unlucky day, similar to Friday the 13th in the West. Balinese myth tells us the story of an improper sexual relationship between the god Shiva and the goddess Uma, which gave birth to Dewa Kala, a scary demon. Thus, the Balinese tend to stay low during the day as the demons rule it.

However, the Balinese also believe that at the same time, the god Ishvara manifests on earth to protect humankind from evil and provide enlightenment. Enlightenment is thought to come in the form of artists who are provided with the power to create art and craft. On Tumpek Wayang, all sorts of masks, shadow puppets, and other art forms are spiritually cleansed through ceremonies. Therefore, it is also known as the day to celebrate art in all forms.

If you brave the unlucky day of Tumpek Wayang, you might find some temples holding ceremonies for various forms of traditional Balinese art, which is quite rare!