Bangli, Peace and Harmony

Bangli Regency Develops "Lontar" Industry

The development of the Lontar in Bangli regency is not as advanced as in other regencies such as Gianyar which is has its own center for producing lontar called Bona village. Lontar centers in Bangli have been in existence for a few years but the development is not managed well. The center is in Cempaga village and Bebalang village where there is limited production, according to the Head of the Dinas Koperasi-Perindustrian dan Perdagangan in Bangli, Drs. Sang Made Suryawan
Last year, Suryawan said his department contributed Rp 10 million towards developing the lontar industry. This aid will help to diversify industry in Bangli as well as explore an area that has great potential. 'Looking at the availability of the human resources and the natural sources, the lontar workers in Bangli will find good hope in developing their industry,' Suryawan said.
Further, Suryawan explained, his department will continue to improve society and the work in Bangli regency in order to increase the quality and production with both the domestic and international market as the target. The production of the Bangli lontar includes cili naya, bags, accessories and household tools. (Suka)

Use The Existing Potential

The people of Batumeyeh sub-village, Songan village in Kintamani district may give thanks to God. Since 2002, some of them have had the chance train as lontar workers in a program held by Dinas Koperasi Perindustrian dan Perdagangan in Bangli regency. The region of Batumeyeh village including Batumeyeh Atas and Batumeyeh Bawah and its surrounding area such as Pradi village and Kayuselem village were selected because they have a good natural supply of lontar plants.
According to Jero Dobel, one of the Batumeyeh villagers, the lontar palms that grow in his village are used for making nira (tuak), the main substance in making the sugar named gula Bali (Balinese sugar). The presence of the trainers from Gianyar and Buleleng regency in Batumeyeh village also influences the development of the lontar industry there. Batumeyeh villagers try hard to exploit its potential for making goods using lontar leafs. The workers have been making goods to order such as bags and other accessories attractive designs. Dobel hopes that the lontar produce of Batumeteh village will reach a large market and that the lontar industry will develop well. (Suka)

Bangli's Capital Celebrates 799th Anniversary

On 10th May 2003 Bangli's capital will celebrate its 799th anniversay that it has been celebrating annually for the last ten years. Bangli's capital is known as the breeze capital because of it clean and natural surroundings. The capital, with a population of approximately 25 000 people, has its unique characteristic shown by statues at every street junction. The Rumah Sakit Jiwa (psychiatric hospital) in the west side of the regency is well known as a center of rehabilitation for psychiatric patients. In the north part of the regency stands Pura Kehen (Kehen Temple), the source of Bangli's history with its Kehen inscription which states that Bangli capital was founded 799 years ago.
Bangli city is the capital of Bangli regency, led by I Nengah Arnawa as it regent, promoted as a center for education and health. Through the plan, schools and high schools ( Sekolah Tinggi Agama Hindu / STAH ) with a Hindu basis will be built in this capital.
The 799th anniversary of Bangli according to the Kabag Humas Pemda Bangli (the head of public relations department) I Made Sukarma, S. Sos, will start by hoisting and reading the Kehen inscription and will include many sports events and a presentation of folk-art. This will bring together the people of Bangli city in solidarity and harmony. (Suka)