What Is Banjar in Bali and What Influence Does It Have?

In Bali, religion and tradition play a significant role in people’s daily lives. Local culture and customs have their influence, including on visitors to the island, as well as on entrepreneurs who want to start their own business in Indonesia. Today we would like to talk a little about such an important social structure as Banjar, which has one of the most powerful influences on the life of the island.

Banjar in Bali refers to a local community organization that plays a crucial role in fostering community cohesion, maintaining harmony, organizing ceremonies, and providing support to its members.

In Balinese society, a Banjar typically consists of small residential neighborhoods or villages. Every married man living in a Banjar is required to be a member.

Each Banjar has its own meeting hall, known as a Bale Banjar, where a variety of community activities take place. These may include discussions, cultural events, and organizational meetings.

The Banjar system serves as the foundation for social interactions and communal responsibilities, acting as a social, cultural, and practical cornerstone.

Indeed, each Banjar functions as a form of cooperative where members collaborate to organize religious ceremonies, family events, rituals, and offer support during crises.

Even in urban settings, Balinese individuals actively engage in various activities within their home Banjar, highlighting the significant role these social structures play beyond just rural areas.

For Balinese people, the Banjar serves as a social stronghold, providing a refuge during life’s challenges. Exclusion from the Banjar is considered the most severe punishment, leading to the loss of support, potential property confiscation, and expulsion. Furthermore, individuals facing Banjar exclusion may encounter difficulties securing a burial place in the village cemetery after death.

Within the Banjar, a Balinese never feels isolated; there is a constant assurance that assistance will be extended when needed. Even in death, Banjar members continue to pray for the deceased’s soul, hoping for its reincarnation within the same societal framework.

In fact, there are very few cases when you need to contact Banjar. For instance, if you intend to arrange a significant event, party, or wedding, seeking approval from the Banjar is a prerequisite. Additionally, a Banjar fee, contingent on factors such as location, event type, size, and specific requirements, must be paid.

The Banjar assumes responsibility for the seamless execution of events, coordinating traffic, ensuring security, and verifying that the theme avoids cultural or religious offense. They also monitor noise levels to prevent disturbance to neighbors and local residents, taking measures to ensure the safety of all event participants.

Banjar can also have an impact, including on businesses and entrepreneurs who want to start their own business in Indonesia.

We always tell that understanding the influence of cultural traditions on the structure and foundations of society is very important when opening a business in Bali.

Over 11 years of successful activity, we have been able to establish harmonious interaction with local traditions and have come to the successful integration of cultural aspects into the business processes of our clients. We are convinced that this not only does not create obstacles to starting a business, but also contributes to its successful development.

Thinking to set up a business in Bali? Contact us to get detailed consultation