Bangli, Peace and Harmony

Dekeranasda Bangli, Preserver and Developer of the Handicraft Industry

In line with the mission of the National Handicraft Council (Dekranas), the main function of the Regional Handicraft Council (Dekeranasda) is to participate in preserving the handicraft industry in each region. To achieve this mission, Dekeranasda Bangli that is chaired by the spouse of the Bangli Regent, Mrs. Rasmik Arnawa makes an effort to facilitate the craftsmen in order that they are capable of competing with those of other regions. “In addition, they should be able to maintain the distinctiveness of Bangli’s product,” says Mrs. Rasmik.

It is said, through competition, the craftsmen endeavor to improve the quality of their product. On the contrary, the mission to maintain the characteristic of local products is very advantageous for the next generation as a legacy of their ancestral culture. In Bangli, adds Rasmik Arnawa, the potential of handicrafts is spread throughout all villages within four sub districts. For that reason, supervision, technical assistance rendering and finding out market opportunities is regularly performed by Dekeranasda. “In this case, we involve related parties, chiefly the Industrial and Trade Affairs of Bangli Regency,” she said.
Technical supervision is performed through small-scale industrial centers. In these centers, craftsmen are supervised through community groups of small-scale industry. Facilities and the sorts of supervision given are tailored in accordance with the products they make.
In Bangli, there are some superior products that are developed through small-scale industrial centers, such as bamboo handicraft scattering at Kayubihi Village, Bangli Sub district and Tanggahan Peken Hamlet at Susut Sub district. A wooden handicraft center is growing rapidly at Demulih Village (Susut), Apuan Abuan and Tembuku Village. Whilst, at Kintamani Sub district, wood craftsmen are spread throughout Sekaan, Abuan, Banyoh, Bunutin and other villages.
According to records of the Industrial and Trade Affairs Office, of the 22,000 population of Bangli (11% of total population numbering of 209,000) are deeply involve in the handicraft business. Even, the inhabitants of Pande Hamlet, Cempaga Municipality, Bangli Sub district; Undisan and Bangbang Village at Tembuku Sub district all have professions of blacksmiths, goldsmiths and silversmiths.
Some others produce kris daggers and tusks, or cassowary’s egg carving, like that performed by Wayan Tika from Pande Hamlet, Bangli and craftsmen from Sidembunut, Cempaga Municipality, Bangli. Their works are now becoming the mascot of handicraft products of Bangli (BTN/suka)