Bali Buzz #24

Vol. 1/February 5-February 11, 2015

Holy water Beringkit livestock market

Youths behind bars

Subak festival

from THE editor

Holy spring One aspect of the local culture that often intrigues visitors is holy water. The sight of a temple priest sprinkling holy water onto motorists, or even the motorcycle itself, is quite common and may leave outsiders wondering about the whys and hows behind that gesture.

This edition’s cover story reveals the role that holy water plays in Balinese Hindu rites in the hope that it may provide visitors with a better understanding of the island and its people.

Hopefully, it will also spur interest in exploring the island’s many holy springs and, thus, experiencing another side of Bali, the side where natural beauty meets spiritual rejuvenation.

— The Editor

Contents

03

04

Faces

Celebration of all things Indian

05

Funday for disabled and disadvantaged children

06

Beringkit livestock market

07 08 10 11 12

Youths behind bars Holy water Subak festival Hot spicy clams at Warung Kampoeng Rejang

Cover Photo: Agung Parameswara

PT BINA MEDIA TENGGARA i Editorial and General Department Jl. Tukad Musi VI/17 Kav.1 Renon Denpasar Bali

(0361) 265 436, 265 437

Fax (0361) 223 698

Jpbali@indosat.net.id, advertisingbali@thejakartapost.com, promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

Board of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Riyadi Suparno I Editor in Chief/Guarantor Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Editor I Wayan Juniarta I Contributing Editor Rita A. Widiadana I Editorial Staff Desy Nurhayati, Fikri Zaki Muhammadi, Bram Setiawan, Anton Muhajir, Alit Kertaraharja, Ni Komang Erviani, Luh De Suriyani, Wasti Atmodjo I Photographers Agung Parameswara, Lukman SB, Zul Trio Anggono, Anggara Mahendra Graphic Designer Budhi Hartono, Sunaryo, Mohamad Soleh General Manager Wiradiatma Wijoga I Advertising Intan Indahsari, Kadek Ita Noviyanti, Ngurah Agung I Circulation Slamet Sunarno I Promotions Mirah Adi

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February 5, 2015

images

Faces

“The children’s painted faces are the most interesting element of the rite” Words and Photos Agung Parameswara

O

nce every six months, the youngsters of Tegalalang participate in Ngerebeg, a unique street ritual to ward off evil spirits. The participants paint their faces and bodies in the hope that their appearance will strike terror into the hearts of all demons. They then march in groups along the village’s roads wielding sticks in their hands, like a phalanx of determined foot soldiers.

In the olden days, facial makeup was much simpler, comprising thick lines made with soot and chalk. Nowadays, special paints are used resulting in more elaborate and colorful patterns. In the last few years, the youngsters have drawn inspiration from Hollywood action flicks to transform themselves into more powerful figures. Superman and Batman have both made their appearances in the rite.

Yet, it is always the youngest participants, children of elementary school years, who draw the most attention. Their painted faces, no matter how scary the original design, always elicit smiles from the observers.

February 5, 2015

3

Sight

Celebration

of all things Indian “A humble tribute from India to its steadfast friend Indonesia” Words Desy Nurhayati Photos Zul Trio Anggono

U

nderlining the deep connections shared

by India and Bali — Bali’s religion and culture emanates from Indian philosophy — the Festival of India chose the island as one of the places to launch its fourmonth event.

Themed “Sahabat India”, the event is hailed as a highly ambitious and diversified people-to-people engagement, bringing the vibrancy and vigor of India’s engagement with Indonesia to a new level.

The festival will travel until May to 16 cities in Indonesia celebrating India through a mélange of folk music and dance, classical performances, cinema, food and fashion, education and literary fairs, business and trade delegations, art and artisans, and paintings and sculptures.

Feb. 10 will see a performance of Gujarati Garba, a dance from the state of Gujarat in India, at the Natya Mandala auditorium of the Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI) in Denpasar.

Clad in colorful and attractive traditional attire, the performers form a circle as a symbol of the Hindu view of time. As the cycle of time revolves, from birth to life to death and again to rebirth, the only thing that is constant is the goddess, symbolizing that God is the only thing that remains unchanged in a

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February 5, 2015

constantly changing universe.

ARMA Museum in Ubud will host the prestigious Buddha Charika exhibition, an attempt to illustrate the life, teachings and important events of the Buddha and to provide information about the Buddhist pilgrimage by depicting master pieces of Indian art and artifacts discovered in numerous archaeological sites in India.

Meanwhile, the festival of colors, Phoolon Ki Holi, in which people throw flower petals at each other, will be held at ISI Denpasar’s auditorium on March 15 and at the auditorium of Undiksha in Buleleng on March 17.

The traditional dance is performed with much gaiety and religious fervor even today to the accompaniment of musical instruments like the harmonium, flute and cymbals.

On March 22, the amphitheatre of Discovery Shopping Mall will host the ancient Karakattam Tamil folk dance, performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman.

The performers balance a water

pot decorated with attractive flower arrangements topped by a moving paper parrot on their heads.

Lakhwinder Wadali, a Sufi singer and musician with a unique style of singing and fine blend of classical and contemporary music will perform at ISI’s auditorium on March 28. Wadalis believe in the Sufi tradition deeply and consider themselves a medium through which the preaching of great saints is passed on to others.

ARMA Museum, in collaboration with Bali Spirit Festival, will also organize a performance by blues band Soulmate on April 4 and 5.

On April 14, ISI’s auditorium will again play host to a performance of Chhau Garuda Vasuki, a tradition from eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

A unique shadow puppet show from the state of Karnataka in India, Togalu Gombeaata, will be performed at ISI’s auditorium on April 25. Togalu Gombeaata is a play of leather dolls in the native language of Kannada.

From May 1 to 31, STIKOM Bali will be the venue for an exhibition on Indian cinema.

Today, India is the largest film-producing country in the world and produces over

1,000 films annually in various languages.

Indian films and filmmakers have been admired all over the world for the artistic quality and novelty of Indian films.

The traveling exhibition “Life on the Silver Screen: The Story of Indian Cinema” takes visitors through an absorbing journey of a century of Indian cinema with the help of visuals and graphics, film clippings, publicity materials, artifacts, replicas and interactive multimedia.

An art exhibition titled Merging Metaphors, the result of the combined creativity of 25 accomplished artists from India and ASEAN, will take place at Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud.

The unique exhibition is a celebration, in a contemporary global context, of the cultural and historical links that have flourished in India and Southeast Asia for more than a millennium.

Merging Metaphors is a fascinating exhibition that offers an overview of the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary art in the region and includes two, three and multidimensional creations.

Tamanna Sagar, a well-known Indian artist, will be exhibiting her paintings during the Festival of India in various venues in Jakarta, Semarang, Bali and Medan.

Soul

Funday for disabled and disadvantaged children “Solemen aims to provide holistic care to those in need, and giving them the opportunity to have fun is a huge part of it” Words Desy Nurhayati Photos Courtesy of Yayasan Solemen

B

ali non-profit Yayasan Solemen Indonesia brings joy to the lives of many disadvantaged children through fun days out.

Spending much of their time providing crucial health care and assistance for the physically and mentally disabled, the charity brings about a change in fortune for children with disabilities on the island.

Recently, Solemen gave some of these disadvantaged children and their families memories that they could treasure forever by holding the Solemen Funday.

Held at a luxury beachside villa in Canggu, donated by a generous Solemen supporter, more than 30 children joined the amazingly joyful day.

For most of the children, this was the first

time to join one of Solemen’s monthly fundays, where they could find a little more happiness in life.

They enjoyed playing games, creating their own art, face and finger painting, potato painting and frolicking in the swimming pool.

Some of these children, who have recently been added to the list of people Solemen helps on a daily basis, had never before seen a swimming pool. They were clearly overjoyed and thrilled with the day.

Those being helped included children suffering from developmental delay, cerebral palsy, skin conditions and others currently undergoing diagnosis.

The children were constantly under observation to see how they interacted with each other, while the level of each child’s

capability was evaluated.

Solemen holds these fundays once a month to provide the disadvantaged children with a distraction from their everyday routine.

These days are part and parcel of Solemen’s aim to provide holistic care to those in need, and giving them the opportunity to have fun is a huge part of it.

These special days also enable parents to meet others experiencing similar issues and to know they are not alone, as well as being able to discuss various ways to deal with their situations.

“It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that the fundays have a huge effect on the lives of the children. One of the reasons we do it is because there is more to helping people than just giving them medical care and therapy,” Solemen’s founder Robert Epstone said.

“Fun is an important part of any child’s life and their development. We are so pleased we can give them and their families these memories. The smiles on their faces and the sound of laughter were a real joy to behold.”

The day was also supported by local businesses. MTrans Transport kindly donated a 20-seat bus to transport children from the Canggu, Denpasar and Sanur areas.

Ray White Paradise Property Group provided two cars to bring children with special needs from Kintamani and Manggis, while Serenity Eco Guesthouse shared the cost of nutritional healthy food for the day.

There were also plenty of regular, kind Solemen supporters who helped out on the day, and of course all the Solemen staff.

In the future, Solemen will continue to arrange ongoing therapy, suitable education and support for the families and continue with regular visits and, of course, fundays.

February 5, 2015

5

Sight

Beringkit livestock market

“A cultural and social legacy” Words and photos Eka Juni Artawan

I

t was cold and dark when 61-year-old Mohamad Zaini arrived at Beringkit cattle market, a major livestock trade center located 5 kilometers from Taman Ayun in Mengwi, Badung regency.

Zaini, a father of seven, started his trip to the market from his home in Pegayaman village, near Singaraja in Buleleng regency, long before dawn to arrive early at the market.

He visits the market four times a week to sell cattle. Upon arrival at the market, he has to pay Rp 15,000 (US$1.18) per animal in fees before he can take them inside.

Zaini is also required to submit a letter from his village head stating that the cows are his property.

By carrying this legal document, Zaini is able to sell the cows.

That day was a busy market day, with numerous people unloading cattle of all kinds and ages and leading them into the sprawling 2.8-hectare market for display.

Zaini has been selling cows at the market for more than 25 years. However, he neither raises nor breeds the animals, but buys them from local cattle breeders in Pegayaman. His venture is purely business.

“I travel throughout the village to find cows that are suitable for sale,” said Zaini, while inhaling the smoke from his clove cigarette to beat the cold morning.

Being a veteran cattle trader, Zaini understands the ups and downs of the market.

“Sometimes, the price of cattle drops very low, when demand is scarce. At peak seasons, the price can soar. But that does not deter us [traders] from selling quality oxen. It is part of the business risk,” said Zaini convincingly. When lucks visit his door, he can take home millions of rupiah from the sale of cattle.

Zaini is not alone in the business. There are hundreds of pengepul (cattle traders) at the market from villages all across the island of Bali, including the far-flung islets of Nusa Penida.

Beringkit is not like ordinary markets. Visitors need to be equipped with the correct “fashion”

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February 5, 2015

items, such as boots, a face mask and raincoat, as during the rainy season the market can turn into a wet and smelly area.

Ketut Nurada, head of Beringkit market, said that business was flourishing.

“The authentic Balinese cow species is one of the attractions that brings people here,” Nurada said.

He explained that Balinese cows were famous for their high breeding quality. “Beringkit market is the largest livestock market in Bali. Cows and buffaloes are sold for breeding, as well as for consumption,” he said.

Buyers from places like Jakarta and Surabaya often send orders to procure large numbers of Balinese cows. Cattle sales are divided into two categories — cattle for raising and breeding and cattle for meat.

Prices depend on body weight. “Usually, all the cattle are weighed at the entrance, with an official pay weight taken after the sale has been gaveled.”

Cattle eligible for sale had to be issued an official certificate from the market management, for a fee of Rp 32,000 per certificate, paid for either by the seller or buyer, depending on the deal, he noted.

Nurada explained that there were several parties involved in cattle sales, including local breeders and first buyers, or pengepul like Zaini; and middlemen at the market, called penganyar, acting as mediators between sellers and potential buyers.

“Many buyers prefer to procure young cattle, rather than calves, to raise to sell for meat. This reduces the cost of raising cattle from birth.”

The market management has its own schedule for cattle sales. Tuesdays and Saturdays are the days beef cattle is sold, while Wednesday and Sunday are dedicated to the sale of breeding cattle.

The busy, flourishing Beringkit livestock market might not be a modern trading place, but it is much more than just a place where you can find cattle and buffalo on display. It is also a showcase for a unique cultural and social aspect of the Balinese cattle business; no matter where these people come from, buyers and sellers stick to the golden principle of bargaining all the time.

Soul

Youths s r a b d n i h be “Tears, hopes and learning”

Words and photos Luh De Suriyani

“I

could not find my way home. I just recognized the name of my village.

So many things had changed. I have forgotten everything I once knew, as I’ve just left prison,” a young inmate wrote for a piece of creative writing in which he imagined his dream of being released from prison.

The boy was sent just a few weeks ago to Karangasem youth correctional facility in east Bali. He is one of 22 young inmates who participated in a writing workshop organized jointly by the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival committee and Sloka Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes citizen journalism. The workshop was funded by Hivos, a Dutch international development organization.

Facilitated by prominent author and poet Cok Sawitri, these young inmates took part in a writing workshop that allowed them to express their innermost feelings in well-ordered written accounts.

“One of the most frightening things for a writer is a lack of confidence. So many writers think their work is of low quality and unreadable,” said Sawitri, sharing with the young participants of this maiden workshop.

While a number of participants were enthusiastic to learn about writing, others looked shy and hesitant, saying they knew very little about the subject.

One of the boys, Su, admitted shyly that he could write very little and had never read any literary books in his life.

“Read, read and read. That is the recipe when you want to become an accomplished writer,” Sawitri responded.

During the workshop, the participants were asked to write about their own lives, their dreams and hopes for the future.

Some wrote about their agony of living behind bars, but lost no hope for a better life once they got out of prison.

After 15 minutes, Sawitri asked the youngsters to read out their work.

“This is my story about my girlfriend. We met through Facebook. That’s why I have been imprisoned here. I was charged with sexual harassment,” one young inmate wrote.

Sawitri and the other facilitators listened to every story attentively. “Your stories are honest and touching. They come from your hearts and show genuine feeling, which is what makes your stories so good and authentic,” she commented.

During the workshop, one group of inmates looked uncomfortable and nervous as they did not know how to write about their own feelings. Others looked confused when asked to start jotting down their emotions on a piece of paper.

To help these children overcome the situation, Sawitri shared her experience dealing with a young man from Ambon, Maluku.

“The workshop was held in Ambon shortly after ethnic sectarian conflict had taken place.

The man was traumatized thinking about his friend, who he had shot dead,” she said, adding that every time he wrote a sentence, his whole

body shook. Sawitri explained to the young man that writing was an effective emotional outlet to help release his heavy burden.

“Writing is not a way to deny things that have happened to you. Writing is a way to go through this difficult situation, while never giving up on your lives,” she said.

Sawitri donated three books of her poems and short stories entitled Baruni Jembatan Surga (Baruni, The Bridge Of Heaven). She also gave the inmates workshop guidebooks from the Kamera Lubang Jari workshop held with the Tough Children foundation.

These young inmates feel lucky to have Haryoto as the head of the correctional institution.

His open mind and heart is allowing these unfortunate teenagers to find a more bearable and meaningful life behind bars.

Several interesting programs have been conducted in the prison, including music and art programs, and now this writing workshop.

“I am eager to see more innovative, crazy ideas and activities to encourage my inmates to stand tall despite their grim situation,” said Haryoto.

February 5, 2015

7

Cover Story

Holy water “Water cleanses the body and the truth washes the mind clean�

Words I Wayan Juniarta Photos Agung Parameswara

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February 5, 2015

T

he 65-year-old Made Sutri walked down the steps cautiously. Her ankle, swollen from chronic arthritis, a common ailment among the island’s senior residents, was ready to give up and was sending a soaring pain through her body.

Yet, the ailing grandmother was one tough lady. She forced herself to keep on walking. Her daughter-in-law shared a concerned look with Sutri’s two grandchildren. But the journey was far from over and all they could do was hold Sutri’s arms, giving her support.

The concrete staircase opened out into a wide temple courtyard flanked by a verdant hill on the right and a wide river on the left. The cool breeze that swayed the trees and the soothing sound of the stream gave the place a tranquil aura.

A smile formed on Sutri’s face as she walked past the temple to the final steps to take her down to the river.

Two temple priests were busy sprinkling holy water on devotees who had just finished their ritual bath. They stood next to a shrine erected under a tall tree. A few meters away, four devotes were standing under nine fountains that sent powerful streams of cold, fresh water onto their bare, upper torsos.

Before taking a ritual bath, a devotee must first pray in front of the shrine. He then must wade upstream and take the first bath in front of a large boulder, before fully submerging his whole body in front of the shrine. Only then can he bathe under the fountains.

Sutri started with the westernmost fountain and slowly moved eastward, taking her time to experience the different speeds and power of the water offered by each fountain. At some point, the stream was so strong that she had to lean on her daughter-in-law for support.

Yet, throughout the process, she looked like a different woman, with a radiant smile seen repeatedly on her face.

“I am so refreshed and feel so blessed after melukat,” she said, using the Balinese word for ritual bathing.

The spring by the river is known as Tirta Sudamala by the locals and it has risen to become one of the island’s top melukat sites.

Nestled in a scenic valley in Bunutin village, Bangli, it is visited by up to 500 devotees per day.

The growing popularity of these melukat sites, which include Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring, Selukat in Keramas, Dalem Pingit in Sebatu and Padanggalak beach in Sanur, reflects the surging religious enthusiasm among Balinese Hindus over the last decade. Such enthusiasm, which to a large extent is fueled by a robust economy, is also marked with the proliferation of grand rituals and costly temple renovations.

On the other hand, it also reveals that 1,000 years after its “official” formation, Balinese Hinduism still venerates water as one of the most important elements in its teachings and liturgy.

Balinese Hindus believe that water and fire are the two most potent agents of spiritual cleansing. The strong influence of

the agricultural society, where water is the indispensable precursor for a bountiful harvest, gradually saw water become the ultimate purifier, while fire is reserved for a rather dark and violent role as the destroyer of black magic.

Naturally, large bodies of water, such as lakes and the ocean, are viewed as having tremendous supernatural power. That’s the reason why, prior to a large religious festival, Balinese Hindus will always organize melasti, during which temple effigies and paraphernalia are escorted to the lakes or ocean to be “recharged”.

In fact, prior to 1958, the year in which the Indonesian government acknowledged Hinduism as an official religion, the Balinese called their belief system Agama Tirta, literally the religion of holy water.

Naturally, holy water, or tirta, water treated with special rites and mantra, is forever present in all religious rituals, from the welcoming of a newborn infant, to the farewell for a deceased.

It is used to consecrate buildings and sacrificial animals, to purify offerings and bless devotees, to start and end trances, as well as to heal people from physical or mental ailments.

The diverse functions of tirta can only be matched by its varying origins. All major temples, including the clan temples, issue their own specific tirta. A major religious festival will generally use tirta from all the major temples, major springs and from mountains across Bali, Java and Lombok. A small family rite would use at least tirta from the village’s temple, the family temple and from the house of the presiding high priest, while during the pre-cremation rites, more than five different tirta are poured onto the deceased’s lips.

It is this belief in the supernatural quality of the holy water that drives Balinese Hindus to search for and visit natural springs across the island and to perform melukat. They believe that melukat will cleanse their bodies from any physical defilement.

“For a woman, who, like me, spends most of her days inside her family compound, melukat is a rare opportunity to take a long trip, meet new people, gaze at a new temple and take a truly refreshing bath at a magnificent place,” Sutri said.

It is no wonder that she left Tirta Sudamala in a much happier mood.

February 5, 2015

9

Savor

Subak festival

“Promoting healthy food and living” Words and photos Luh De Suriyani

D

ozens of youths gathered at Puputan Badung park in Denpasar to participate in the Subak Village Festival last weekend.

Oki, a fifth grader, joined his friends in the raw food competition.

Provided with Rp 100,000 (US$7.90), each group of participants was required to purchase raw food and make it into a healthy and nutritious meal.

Oki and his team ran fast to an organic fruit and vegetable stall and grabbed papaya, strawberries and other fresh produce to make a fresh salad and juices.

“I can cook vegetable soup and mix fruit juices,” claimed Oki with pride.

Another team made a fruit cocktail and vegetable salad.

Meanwhile, in the corner of the park, a large number of children were busy learning to sow vegetable and fruit seeds.

One interesting stall belonged to Wawan and Cahya, two university students experimenting with local food. They cooked bubur sumsum, a rice flour porridge topped with things like chocolate, cheese and raisins. Visitors flocked to their stall to taste the delicious treat.

These fun and educational activities were part of the Subak Village Festival, which was organized by the Healthy Food and

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February 5, 2015

Healthy Living Community.

The community has been active in the promotion of local food and how to serve it in healthy and stylish ways for the last few years. The campaign focuses mainly on young people.

The festival also presented a discussion involving top environmentalist Luh Kartini, professor of agriculture at Udayana University, and Sayu Komang from IDEP. During the discussion, presenters showed the audience how to create a home garden and to make natural pesticides.

Prior to the Subak Village Festival, the community worked with Udayana University’s Center for Environmental Studies to hold a subak study camp.

Subak is a generations-old integrated rice field farming and irrigation system used in Bali that was recently awarded world heritage cultural landscape status by UNESCO. This traditional system of controlling and sharing water in an integrated irrigation system has enabled Balinese farmers to maintain the ecology of their rice terraces for over 1,000 years.

During the study camp, the students stayed with local farmers in Jatiluwih, home to the rice terraces in Tabanan recognized by UNESCO.

“The subak festival aims to preserve subak as a natural and cultural heritage. Becoming a member of a subak preservation community does not necessarily mean you have to become a farmer,” said the organizing committee.

The committee’s hope is that the young generation can play a greater role in procuring and consuming local foods, respecting farmers and preserving their ancestral rice fields.

Savor

Hot spicy clams at Warung

Kampoeng WORDS AND PHOTOS EKA JUNI ARTAWAN

“This ‘warung’, with its old-style architecture, serves tasty seafood, Indonesian and Chinese dishes at reasonable prices”

O

n the busy thoroughfare of Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, between Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, there is a local warung with old-style architecture that looks small from the outside.

With a simple signboard reading “Warung Kampoeng”, this restaurant is quite spacious inside, with wooden chairs and tables, windows decorated with bamboo poles and old-style ornaments on the

walls.

Popular not only with residents of the Jimbaran and Nusa Dua area, Warung Kampoeng has also attracted tourists craving a wide variety of delicious foods at fantastic local prices. Plus, it offers warm service and a relaxing atmosphere on the busy bypass.

First time customers might be confused what to order since the menu offers many choices, but for those who love spicy foods, kerang pedas (hot spicy clams) is definitely recommended.

It is mouth-watering to see a plate of clams served with spicy looking, bright-colored sauce. Enjoy it with a portion of warm rice for only Rp 28,000 (US$2.20). The perfect sweet and spicy combination of the sauce makes the dish even more alluring.

To neutralize your palate after eating the hot, spicy food, a variety of refreshing beverages are available, including iced tea and soda. For those who prefer alcoholic beverages, Warung Kampoeng serves lemon-flavored beer as well.

Repeat guests often come back time and time again for their favorites.

“I always order mie ayam [chicken noodles] and kerang pedas every time I dine here. The spicy clams are always my favorite,” said Ayu Eka, a customer from Tabanan.

For Ayu, who has quite a long drive to get to Nusa Dua, visiting Warung Kampoeng is more than just a break to enjoy her favorite foods. It is the pleasure of mingling with locals and foreigners from a variety of backgrounds amid the old-style ambience that always draws her back.

The restaurant also delivers in Jimbaran, Kelan and Tanjung Benoa. It opens daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

February 5, 2015

11

Sight

“The dance of heaven’s nymphs” Words and photos Agung Parameswara

I

t was a gorgeous sunny day in Tenganan Pengringsingan village, one of the oldest Bali Aga villages, located in Manggis, Karangasem regency in east Bali.

Located around 65 kilometers east of Denpasar, Tenganan is an archetypal Bali Aga village and home to a people that still strongly hold to their age-old traditions of pre-Majapahit Bali.

Cultural pundits refer to Bali Aga to the original communities of the island, which resisted post-Majapahit kings and their Hindu-Buddhist Javanese court culture. They are believed to be the direct descendants of the indigenous inhabitants of Bali.

The residents of Tenganan village rigidly retain their distinctive arts, rituals and traditions, and from Feb. 1 through Feb. 5, they hold the special ritual of Ngusaba Kasa.

The ritual activities were focused at Bale Agung Kaja, in the heart of the village. Bali Agung Kaja is a sacred place where the god Brahma, the creator, is worshipped. Senior male and female residents of the village gathered there to prepare for the five-day ritual, with the women dressed in simple long Pengringsingan traditional cloth, while the men were clad in sarong.

The stars of the ritual are the village’s young girls, who have been trained to perform one of the most sacred dances in Bali — the rejang dance. Visitors to Bali may find young girls in other villages across the island perform the same dance, but a rejang dance performed in Tenganan has its own distinction and uniqueness.

Twenty-one-year-old Yulistiya Dewi was busy preparing to dance, with her mother’s help for makeup and dance costumes. Together with other girls from the village, she would perform for the five consecutive days of the ritual.

Ngusaba Kasa is a special day for the locals, especially for the rejang dancers. The dancers are treated like angels falling from heaven. Only virgins have the privilege of performing the rejang dance.

Dressed in lavish costumes with glittering gold accessories and elaborate headgear, the dancers perform the sacred dance to welcome the visiting deities.

Accompanied by the slow, melodious selonding, traditional Balinese xylophone gamelan, the dancers sway their bodies in gentle, repetitive movements considered to be heavenly gestures.

They believe this will take them to a deeply spiritual encounter with the visiting deities who come to the village on this special occasion to give their blessings to the entire population of Tenganan.

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Home made jewelry. Silver and gold. Good price with high quality product. Call 081 7477 9129

Relaxing yoga, private classes. For more info, please call 0822 3760 302

Indonesian freelance cook. Text Elok 0813 902 36628 Indonesian lessons for foreigners provided at your home / office, native teacher. Sms/call: Ms. Asima 0821 468 50175 / email gemilangcourse@gmail.co, www. balipages.biz.learn.speak.indonesian.

Saxophone or guitar lessons at any level. SMS 0813 398 07682 Doug.

Swimming, private courses. For more information please call 0818 054 19300

Wood & composite decking specialist & carpenter. Email : woodworking.bali@yahoo.co.id 081999857305

Soap-making class, 4 hours, Rp 1 mill. Call 0813 287 16169, kesambibali@gmail.com

Web design, SEO, and video editing service. Portfolio : www.creativewebdesign.com Contact : 0819 9938 5206

www.BaliShoot.com. Affordable commercial advertising photography.

Island Buzz Support for orphans by The Haven Bali Seminyak Romantic Valentine dinner at Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana Last December, the management of The Haven Bali Seminyak held a charity cocktail event as part of their festive celebrations. The event was supported by many guests who were keen to make charitable donations to benefit an orphanage run by Bala Keselamatan (The Salvation Army) located in Denpasar.

The cocktail event was held both to show appreciation of the work being done and to support the local community, especial local orphanage children. The Salvation Army was established in Indonesia, in Java, in 1894. It then extended to Ambon, Bali, East Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, Aceh and Papua. The magnitude of children and poor adults in Indonesia who were vulnerable to abuse and being trafficked led The Salvation Army to begin this service.

Ary Setyo Wibowo and Komang represented the orphanage to receive the donation, which was handed over by general manager Joan Casadevall and financial controller Karta to be used to improve the lives of the orphanage’s children.

This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with an extravagant five-course dinner under the stars, soothed by the ocean breeze and overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Make sure to wine and dine your Valentine in style by making a romantic French-inspired Valentine’s Day dinner reservation at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana’s famous infinity poolside.

A sumptuous five-course menu has been prepared by the chef and includes yellow fin tuna tartar and crispy crackers, duck liver terrine, crayfish on lobster bisque, Italian risotto and pan-seared Wagyu beef tenderloin with creamy forest mushroom sauce, all culminating with chocolate lava cake. A delicious way to celebrate a special occasion and to confirm your love.

Available on Feb. 14 only. To book call (0361) 762500 or email H6556FB2@accor.com.

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Promote your event with us! Call : 0361 265 436/7 or email to promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

Teacher Training Workshop Feb. 21 Jl. Raya Sesetan No. 190, Denpasar : (0361) 225243 Email: wsumiasih@ialf.edu www.ialf.edu

Events Calendar of Events Bali Reggae Star Festival Feb. 6 From 3 – 11 p.m.

Padang Galak Beach, Denpasar Felix Zenger Beat Box Master feat. Dice Feb. 7 Starts 8 p.m.

Catch show-stopper Felix Zenger, Finland’s beat box artist.

Jazz Café Jl. Sukma No. 2, Ubud Jazz and Blues Session Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday From 9 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Mannekepis Jazz and Blues Bistro Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 8475784 The Lights of Faith - Theater show From Monday to Saturday Starts 8 p.m.

A cultural theater show to feel the magic of Bali in every story!

Kuta Theater Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta : (0361) 762750 or Robert 0878 617997 Limbo Hip – Where The Night Starts Every Saturday Starts 8 p.m.

Get together with friends, mingle and get down to our DJ’s music.

La Finca Jl. Subak Sari No. 77, Batu Belig, Kerobokan Made’s Warung Live Performances Balinese Dances Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday Live Music Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Salsa Dance Every Sunday Made’s Warung Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 755297

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Metis Friday Aperochic Every Friday Nothing beats the true indulgence at the new Metis Lounge with its delicate tapas and cocktails!

Jl. Petitenget No. 6, Kerobokan

Kerobokan

Mini Film Festival Feb. 6 – 8 Starts 8 p.m.

Three nights of Indonesian movies.

Shankara Art Space Jl. Danau Toba No. 7, Sanur

Scratch Serving up Bali’s best comfort foods. Famous for their burgers!

Jl. Pengubengan Kauh, Kerobokan : (0361) 737914

Spirit Night – Yoga Barn Feb. 9 Starts 7 p.m.

An uplifting, live sacred music experience uniting Ubud’s top world musicians and sound healers.

Tickets Rp 160,000.

Yoga Barn Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud : (0361) 971236 Sunset Beach Bar & Grill Every Saturday Chill-out music, snack-style menu, true Balinese hospitality.

Intercontinental Bali Resort Jl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran : (0361) 701888 Watch Worldwide Sports Events Live sports coverage at Meads, watch live AFL, NRL, Super Rugby, cricket, tennis, F1.

Meads Boutique Villas Hotel Jl. Pratama No. 99, Tanjung Benoa : (0361) 776604

Food & Drinks Canggu Sprout Offering wholesome breakfasts and lavish lunches, with a range of house-crafted teas, tisanes, smoothies, elixirs, detoxers and coffees.

Jl. Raya Semat No. 18A, Canggu : 0813 366 53165 Warung Kawah Great variety of tropical desserts.

Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No. 38B, Canggu.

denpasar Kelle Angkringan style restaurant with a variety of Indonesian foods.

Jl. Tukad Batanghari, Renon Paphio Coffee and Patisserie New hangout in Denpasar with excellent service.

Jl. Tukad Yeh Aya No. 112 A, Denpasar

Jimbaran JBay Gourmet Ice Cream The best ice cream on the island!

Jl. Bantas Kangin No. 2, Jimbaran : (0361) 701650 Nasi Ayam Bu Oki For Balinese food lovers, eat here for great food at a good price.

Jimbaran : (0361) 8052059

Habitual – Quench & Feed Cozy restaurant famous for breakfast and lunch.

Jl. Umalas, Kerobokan : (0361) 9181801

Kuta

K22 Izakaya Japanese restaurant specializing in yakitori and seafood, shochu and vodka cocktails Jl. Nakula No. 6, Legian : (0361) 7472324 Master Singapore Famous for Singaporean ice cream!

Beachwalk Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta

Sanur

Dusky Blue Fresh, health-conscious tasty food.

Jl. Duyung No. 3, Sanur Soya Japanese restaurant with a casual vibe.

Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur

Seminyak

Corner House Stylish, cozy restaurant with great food and coffee.

Jl. Kayu Aya No. 10 A, Seminyak : (0361) 730276 Babar Café Serves Indonesian, Asian and Mediterranean foods.

Jl. Raya Basangkasa No. 17, Seminyak

Ubud

Kismet Café Healthy, organic food.

Jl. Gautama No. 17, Ubud

Activities Billiards

Mango Beach Bar Play pool, relax with your friends over a beer and enjoy the beach view.

Jl. Pantai Kuta, Sanur

Centrestage Music & Drama Music lessons, music studio, drama and musical theater, musical productions and DJ workshops, hip hop and V street dance.

Centrestage Jl. Dukuh Indah, Umalas, Kerobokan : 082144815165 Gamelan Course – Mekar Bhuana Learn more about Balinese culture and music.

Jl. Gandapura III No. 501X, Denpasar : (0361) 464 201 Gaya Ceramic Arts Center Private tutelage for individuals and small groups — potter’s wheel throwing techniques to hand-crafted sculptures.

Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud : (0361) 7451413 or 976220 Nirvana Batik Course Learn the traditional art of batik making.

Jl. Gautama No. 10, Padangtegal, Ubud : (0361) 975415

Timbis Aero Club Paragliding operations, flight instructors and tandem pilots.

Timbis Beach, Ungasan : 0812 391 6918 (Ketut Manda)

Rafting

Bali Payung Rafting Adventure For more than a dozen years, Ayung River rafting has been hugely popular.

Jl. Raya Payangan, Gianyar : 0819 994 4188 payung_rafting@yahoo.com Mega Rafting Bali Journey through winding gorges, luscious jungles, magnificent terraced rice fields and breathtaking waterfalls for unparalleled fun on the river.

Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 114 Tanjung Bungkak, Denpasar : (0361) 246724

Cycling Bali Star Cycling Young, dynamic, experienced friendly guides, great cycling tours. Routes off the beaten track for a totally different view on Bali then the average tourist has.

Jl. Imam Bonjol, Perum Cipta Selaras No. 30, Denpasar : (0361) 3172020 or 9228274

Shopping

Perum Dalung Permai Pertokoan A.11 – A15, Kerobokan Kaja Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 17, Kuta Jl. Raya Campuhan No. 45, Ubud

Diving Absolute Scuba Dive paradise in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago and at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Jl. Pantai Silayukti, Padang Bai : +62 (0363) 42088 Email: info@absolutescubabali.com absolutescubabali.com

Nirmala Supermarket Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran - Phone (0361) 81470919 Jl. Uluwatu Ungasan - : (0361) 705454 Jl. Uluwatu Pecatu - : (0361) 7472303 Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran : (0361) 81470919 Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 81 Jimbaran : (0361) 4729081

Fitness

Obrigado Billiard hall in downtown Denpasar. Play and enjoy Italian food.

Jl. Teuku Umar, Denpasar WBC Billiard Open daily. Play pool with your friends, choose the table you like and get the stick you love.

Jl. Teuku Umar No. 39, Denpasar : (0361) 7420676

Spa Celebrity Fitness Lippo Sunset Plaza Jl. Sunset Road, Kuta www.celebrityfitness.com

Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar Spa Luxurious, holistic, and culture blending.

Jl. Camplung Tanduk No. 5A, Seminyak : (0361) 731648

Paragliding

Courses Adjani Bali Learn to prepare a variety of dishes, presentation and garnishing.

Kaliasem, Lovina, Singaraja : 081236232019 www.adjanibali.com

Bali Paragliders Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 12 A / 99 Blok A5, Kuta : (0361) 704 769 Email: info@baliparagliders.com www.baliparagliders.com

Papaya Fresh Gallery Jl. Mertanadi, Kuta

Where to go

1 MÉTIS Restaurant, Lounge & Gallery Jl. Petitenget No. 6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta : (0361) 4737888 info@metisbali.com metisbali.com

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W Presents:

Sebastian Mullaert a.k.a Minilogue Feb. 12 From 10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

W Retreat & Spa Bali Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak : (0361) 4738106

Menjangan Island SINGARAJA LOVINA

Pulaki Gilimanuk

Mt. Batur

Mt. Sangiang

Mt. Musi

West Bali National Park

Besakih Mt. Agung

NEGARA Pura Rambut Siwi

Ubud

Sangeh

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AMLAPURA BANGLI KLUNGKUNG

TABANAN

GIANYAR Tanah Lot Kerobokan

3 Friday Masterclass

Every Friday Starts 5:30 p.m.

Expand your wine knowledge in a relaxed atmosphere and get insights and tasting notes in a quick and easy way from our wine expert. bridges Jl. Campuhan, Ubud : (0361) 970095 bridgesbali.com

DENPASAR Canggu 4 Sanur Seminyak 2 Legian 5 Kuta 1

Ngurah Rai Int’ Airport

Jimbaran Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Benoa Nusa Dua

Pura Batu Madan

Penida Island

4 5 Tjakra 7 Spa

Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana Jl. Melasti no. 1, Legian : (0361) 762500 pullmanbalilegiannirwana.com

Valentine’s Day Promo at the Mulia

Enjoy fantastic offers to celebrate your special day with loved ones from Soleil’s beachfront, upscale Chinese food at Table8, or The Café’s wide-ranging menu.

For more info email to reservation@themulia.com The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua : (0361) 3017777

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