Have you heard about Arak Bali? Traditional Arak Bali is a Bahasa Indonesia word for Liquor or wine and during the pandemic in Bali. Traditional Arak Bali got its own popularity because it is used as one of the alternatives for Covid-19 treatment as suggested by the Governor of Bali.
Modernizing Bali’s Finest Liquor
Our conversation with the Samsara Living Museum led us to re – discover the story of Arak and how they survived the modern era. Arak Bali, the traditional liquor of Bali, traced way back to 1918. Until now there is some area that has become associated with the finest Arak and it’s the Karangasem.
Coconut is the main ingredient for Arak Bali sourced from the village and jungle in Karangasem.
With experienced skills passed down from generation to generation, the right air and soil, and the people making this area is certified as the finest Arak Bali producer.
Mainly produced using the traditional artisan way where farmers collect the coconut from up to 50 meters high using manpower, Arak Bali relies on the fermentation of liquid sap from the coconut tree called Nira and adding a specialized type of sweets called Aren Lontar alongside other ingredients. The fermentation process for Arak Bali is about 3 days and followed by distillation to extract the alcohol.
To ensure its safety, it is mandatory for the liquid not to contain ethanol and methanol, that is why in the process of cooling down using the 7 meters bamboo, the first 10 cl of the liquid will not be used. The aim is to get around 30 to 40% alcohol depends on the distillation period. Although famous not only among locals but also overseas, the conservation and preservation of Arak are still necessary.
The importance of keeping Arak Bali industry growing is based on Tri Hita Karana.
Better known as the main philosophy of Balinese life, Tri Hita Karana’s principles are harmony with God, humans, and nature. From this principle, Arak could be viewed as more than just your regular liquor.
Some ceremonies required Arak as part of the ritual
Especially for the Buta Yadnya ceremony where the purpose for this ceremony is to keep the balance of nature and would not interfere with human activities. Arak also often use to strengthen the relationship between relatives during social gatherings.
The economic impact is also highly visible, the Arak home industry it self involving more than 1000 households. If the industry growing well, the end result also impacts the preservation of nature to grow the coconut itself.
Arak Bali was legalized in January 2020
The Arak Bali is a traditional Balinese alcohol made out of fermented rice. Now, the Arak is recognized as a valuable asset of Balinese culture by the Governor of Bali. The policy also provides guidelines in producing and distributing Arak Bali.
Modernization is unavoidable, but previously, Arak Bali was highly restricted only for ritual and ceremonies-related events. Major changes happened in January 2020, the government of Bali signed the legalization of Arak.
Not only recognizing Arak as a valuable asset of Balinese culture. Nowadays, the local producer and home industry of Arak Bali is under one roof and cooperate with legalized liquor factories to meet the standard of taste and safety.
SEE THE TRADITIONAL ARAK PROCESS
VISIT SAMSARA BALI – > LINK HERE
