The Banjar (Community Association): Mutual Support System Sustaining the Village
The Banjar (Community Association): Mutual Support System Sustaining the Village
A local organization supporting life events. Gamelan groups and temple festivals are run by the Banjar.
One of the most crucial keywords for understanding Balinese society is 'Banjar.' It refers to a neighborhood association based on locality, smaller than a village (desa), typically comprising tens to hundreds of households. Upon marriage, Balinese men automatically become members of their Banjar and bear responsibility for its operations. The Banjar supports almost every aspect of people's lives: preparing and managing temple festivals (Odalan), providing mutual assistance for weddings, tooth filings, and funerals, organizing community cleaning, and ensuring local security. This system of mutual support, where individual joys and sorrows are shared by the entire community, is the bedrock that maintains social order and strong bonds in Bali β truly the 'heartbeat of society.' Its functions often complement, and sometimes even surpass, the influence of formal administrative bodies.
The Foundation of Balinese Society: An Autonomous Organization
The Banjar is the most immediate social unit for Balinese people. Each Banjar has a meeting hall called the 'Bale Banjar,' where regular meetings (sangkep) are held to discuss local issues and make decisions. Attendance is mandatory for married male members, and unjustified absence can result in fines. Decisions are typically reached through consensus, with thorough discussion facilitated by the Banjar leader ('Kelian Banjar') until everyone agrees. In this way, the Banjar functions as a highly democratic, self-governing body, upholding and transmitting the rules and customs deeply rooted in Balinese life.
Gotong Royong: Supporting Life from Birth to Death
The most vital role of the Banjar is the practice of 'Gotong Royong,' the spirit of mutual cooperation. Major life cycle ceremoniesβweddings, tooth-filing ceremonies, and especially cremations, which require significant manpower and expenseβare carried out with the full support of Banjar members. They share tasks ranging from preparing offerings and cooking communal meals to playing Gamelan music and assisting with ritual procedures. This drastically reduces the financial and emotional burden on individual families. Rejoicing together in times of celebration and sharing grief in times of sorrow, this strong safety net is fundamental to the sense of security in Balinese life.
Custodians of Religion and Artistic Culture
The Banjar's activities extend beyond social mutual aid; it is also the central custodian and promoter of religious and artistic culture. Each Banjar typically manages its own local temple(s) and takes full responsibility for organizing its festivals (Odalan). Furthermore, most Banjars maintain their own Gamelan orchestra and dance troupe, performing at temple ceremonies and community events. Children learn Gamelan and dance from elders at the Bale Banjar, naturally inheriting traditional culture. The Banjar provides the fertile ground from which Balinese faith and art flourish, and its vibrant activities sustain the island's 'living culture.'
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