Bali Governor mobilises 11,000 pecalang to safeguard Nyepi Day

Denpasar – Bali Governor Wayan Koster gathered about 11,000 pecalang, or the village adat security units, from across the province for a Nyepi Saka 1948 security drill. “This is more than 11,000 who were present, pecalang from across Bali, with the directive that pecalang Bali-wide should be solid and eager to serve (ngayah) with full discipline, responsibility, and dedication to safeguard the wewidangan (territory) of the adat villages so Bali’s security is well maintained,” Koster said. The Bali Governor in Denpasar, on Saturday, considered this directive important given that this year Nyepi coincides with Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, and there is even a potential for the takbiran night to fall on the day of penyepian (Nyepi Eve), namely Thursday, 19 March 2026. He stated that this moment also strengthens pecalang resolve to protect adat, tradition, arts, culture, local wisdom, and harmony among people. He said he was pleased with the theme Gelar Agung Pecalang Bali 2026, namely Sarana Nincapang Kasukertan Jagad Bali Niskala-Sekala, which means a means to increase Bali’s tranquillity in both worldly and nond worldly terms. The theme aligns with the Bali provincial government’s vision and its priority programs, one of which relates to security. The policy direction is that the regional government aims to create a sense of security for residents and tourists throughout Bali, to reinforce security at strategic locations, including Pura Kahyangan Jagad, tourist destinations, economic centres, and crowds; to strengthen security management based on Sipandu Beradat. In addition, to improve security infrastructure, build collective community awareness to take responsibility for Bali’s security together, and integrate security management across all of Bali. To achieve these security goals, various programmes have already been implemented and will continue to be enhanced, such as accelerating and strengthening the implementation of the Sipandu Beradat regulations, improving coordination and cooperation with state institutions, developing a digital security reporting system for real-time incidents, enhancing pecalang skill capacity, and building an integrated Bali security system. In recognition of the pecalang village security work that assists Bali’s security sector, Koster said he would promptly formulate an incentive scheme for them. “This is being calculated, because the number of pecalang across Bali is about 23,000, which certainly requires a fairly large budget, across 1,500 adat villages in Bali, so it must be calculated carefully, but our commitment will be carried out, Astungkara 2027,” he said.