Sesetan Village, Denpasar
Art as Medium of Brotherhood

Denpasar has proclaimed itself as a culturally-based city. Sesetan Village for instance, situated some 3 km south of downtown Denpasar, in fact retains its own characteristic art legacy.

Made Sukarata, the Village Head of Sesetan said that for the Sesetan dwellers art is not only intended for the art itself, but art has become a medium for brotherhood amongst the hamlet, customary tradition and community. It is proved by the flourishing growth of traditional, classic and modern art. “For that reason there are many art communities founded here, at Sesetan,” he said.
Amongst the surviving arts, the art of making sandalwood fan and farmer effigy have become the distinctive feature of the village. Since 1940s up to now, the community remains deeply involved in this art so that it could impart a pleasant scent to the name of Bali overseas. The art works of the dwellers of Sesetan not only embellish hotels and art shops across Bali but they are also widely used as exterior elements. Some artworks from this village have even found their way into foreign countries like Singapore, Japan and Australia.
The tradition of omed-omedan (a ritual mass kissing by youngsters) performed at Banjar Kaja hamlet every year, precisely on the Ngembak Geni (one day after Nyepi) has itself become an attraction. While local villagers eagerly anticipate it, it has also become an attractive event to tourists on vacation on this island of the gods.
Gandrung dance, a ritual dance performed by male dancers is no less attractive. Religious atmosphere and sincere devotion can be felt when this dance is staged. This Gandrung dance is performed on every temple anniversary at the Village Temple of Sesetan and Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island. And so is Janger dance, a sacred dance existing at Pegok Hamlet. This dance legacy is performed on every full moon in the fourth month of the Balinese calendar (this year it falls in October 2008) at Kusuma Sari Temple.
In keeping with the conservation of this classical dance, a secular dance in the form of palegongan and traditional gamelan orchestra also undergoes rapid growth. Moreover, in the 1980s after the development of Bali tourism, the village is not only invited to perform and teach at some hotels in Bali but also outside Bali and even in overseas countries like Europe, Germany, Belgium and Japan.
An interesting fact to note is that the late Nyoman Rembang, the reliable artist from Sesetan, created some new gamelan compositions such as the Bumbang Gamelan orchestra. This further enhances the art treasure of Sesetan, making it richer and brighter. (BTN/015) B