A traditional community organization found in Bali, the Banjar is much more than just a group responsible for directing traffic. It plays a vital role in the daily life and organization of Balinese communities.

The Banjar is made up of a group of men and women who come together to manage the affairs of their village or neighborhood. They are responsible for everything from organizing festivals and ceremonies to managing the local infrastructure and resources. The Banjar is also a way for community members to come together and work towards the common good.

In addition to their practical functions, the Banjar also serves as a way for Balinese people to preserve and celebrate their unique culture and traditions. From the distinctive checkered sarongs worn by members to the intricate rituals and ceremonies performed, the Banjar is an integral part of Balinese life and an important aspect of what makes the island such a special and unique place.

The Banjar is the smallest administrative structure in Bali

Banjar means both a neighborhood consisting of several families and the people who manage this neighborhood. In 1979 Indonesian government recognized Banjar as the lowest administrative division in the national governance.  

Every village has its own banjar and a married man automatically becomes a member, which he can’t reject – he is the representative of his family and expected to participate in many roles.

Women can’t be decision-makers in a banjar, but they act as support. Banjars gather at an open pavilion (Bale Banjar) and discuss the current affairs of their neighborhood.

The leader of Banjar is called Kelian Banjar. They do two types of work: Banjar Adat (traditional/spiritual) and Banjar Dinas (administrative). Sometimes there are two leaders: one for each type of work. 

Banjar Adat take care of organizing ceremonies and religious festivals, and maintaining temples and other buildings in the neighborhood is also on their list. There is an enormous variety of ceremonies, from common ones like weddings, birthdays and funerals to unusual ones like teeth-filing. Banjars are also responsible for coordinating traffic, roadblocks and security during ceremonies. 

Banjar Dinas serve as a village administration

They collect money for the community’s needs, apply penalties on those breaking the rules, coordinate land sales, and other matters of this kind. If there is some work to be done in the village, they will arrange it and share it among the villagers. 

Non-Balinese and foreigners cannot be a member as decision-makers because this system is tightly connected to religion. But foreigners still have to comply with the local laws. So, they can be asked to make a donation to the neighborhood for ceremonies and village development when leasing a house.

Banjars also patrol the streets during Nyepi, the “Day of Silence,” when Balinese fast and meditate – and they ensure lights are also kept off. If you break any of these rules, turn the lights on, or go out of your house, you will have to deal with thems. I would strongly advise against doing it. 

Balinese cherish their neighborhoods much more than westerners do, and they come together whenever it’s needed.

It’s both the community and the people who run the community, making it stronger and connecting all the neighborhood families. All the conflicts get resolved by them, and if any of the neighbors need help, they know they can get it because they have a bigger family beside them. 

Banjar Adat is also sometimes called Banjar Suka Duka, which means “the association that shares joy and sorrow”, and this is the best summary of the Balinese Banjar System. They help each other, build community together and share the good and the bad that comes into their neighborhood. 

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