Metal culture in Indonesia is estimated to have taken place since 500 BC. The history of metal making in Bali goes back a long time. Metallic appliances produced by primitive Bali are now still retained well and worshipped as sacred articles. Bronze kettledrums or familiarly known as “bulan Pejeng” (the moon of Pejeng) at Pejeng Village, Gianyar constitutes one of the remains of primitive Bali.

The expertise to process metal was brought to Indonesia, including Bali, coinciding with human migration in the second phase from Tonkin Bay, South China (500 BC). The ‘bulan pejeng’ kettledrum that is kept in Penataran Sasih Temple, Pejeng by experts were estimated to be made in Bali, since the mould is still retained at Manuaba Village, Gianyar.
Beratan Village, Buleleng develops metallic handicrafts that specifically process brass, silver and gold materials into components for religious ceremony, jewelry for the needs of customary rites and other accessories. Entire native residents of Beratan Village are descendants of Beratanese pande (blacksmith) that originated from around Lake Beratan, Baturiti, Tabanan.
In Pande Chronicle is recounted that Beratan Village was chaired by I Gusti Pande Beratan who was obliged to maintain village security and guests’s convenience that stayed overnight. Unfortunately, his obligations as a good leader was not done accordingly; he even robbed their personal belongings of those who spent the night at Beratan Village.
One who spent the night then was the follower of Ki Pasek Kayu Selem that ruled at Batur. On hearing this news, Ki Pasek Batur alias Pasek Kayu Selem got angry and attacked Beratan Village. Many residents were killed in the assault and some survivors escaped to several remote villages, like Taman Seraya, Kapal, Marga, Gadungan, Kamasan (Klungkung), Tusan (Badung) and to Buleleng Regency.
One of the families of I Gusti Pande Beratan in Buleleng named Arya Pande Swarna later devoted himself to the ruler of Buleleng, I Gusti Panji Sakti.
In the inscription is reminded that the descendants of Pande should take activities pertaining to blacksmith (dharma kepandean). Up to these days, the residents of Beratan Village are still loyal to be deeply involved in the profession of pande or blacksmith. They make metallic handicrafts, such as those used for religious, customary rites and souvenirs like bokor (deeper tray), dulang (candlestick-like base), offerings covers, vessels and canting (small dipper). Handicrafts that are used for customary needs are head ornaments, bracelets, and necklaces, earrings that are commonly worn at wedding ceremonies and medeeng processions.
In addition, they also make souvenirs that are specifically sold to tourists like necklaces, rings, bracelets that are made of gold, silver and bronze.
Beratan Village is situated on the route of Singaraja-Bedugul and is often visited by tourists on the way to Lovina Beach, Banjar Hot springs, Air Saneh and so forth. On the road side along Beratan Village stands shops used to display metallic handicrafts. There, you can have a look at the process of making metallic handicrafts. (BTN/Ketut Supir)