Governor sets April 2027 deadline for mandatory use of Balinese script
Denpasar (ANTARA) - In an official statement received in Denpasar on Saturday, Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced a deadline of no later than the end of April 2027 for all parties to implement the use of Balinese script on signboards and facilities within their ownership or territory.
“I am setting a deadline of no later than the end of April 2027, by which time all parties must have utilised Balinese script,” stated Governor Koster at Pura Puncak Duwur Sari, Pancasari Traditional Village, Buleleng, coinciding with the Purnama Kapat holy day and the Ngenteg Linggih ceremony at the sacred temple.
This deadline was announced to coincide with the ninth anniversary of the Bali Provincial Government’s policy on the use of Balinese script, which was launched on 5 October 2018 under Bali Governor Regulation Number 80 of 2018.
Despite this strategic policy having been in place for a long time, the Governor noted that he is monitoring many private office signboards, business identities, shops, stalls, building names, and public facilities that have yet to use Balinese script, which remains a matter of serious concern.
Referring to the regulation, Balinese script should be placed above Latin characters in a balanced composition. The script must be included on the names of Hindu places of worship, traditional institutions, building inauguration plaques, government and private offices, roads, tourism facilities, and public amenities.
For places of worship of other religions, the use of the script is permitted but not mandatory.
Signboards are also specified to use a red-and-white gradient background with black lettering. For roadside locations without specific signboards, it is encouraged to use variations of red lettering on top and white on the bottom, combined with decorative lights or ornaments.
According to Governor Koster, the use of Balinese script is an extraordinary strategy to honour the roots of Bali’s sublime civilisation, similar to developed nations such as China, India, Japan, Korea, and Russia, which are highly disciplined in using their own scripts.
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to regency/city governments, vertical agencies, educational institutions, hotels, restaurants, malls, business actors, and all community components that have implemented the policy diligently.
While the policy has received a positive response since its inception, the Bali Provincial Government continues to remind non-compliant parties to adhere to the rules to maintain Bali’s unique identity and character, which radiates a strong spiritual aura.
“If not us, the Balinese people, then who else is responsible for the sustainability of the future of Balinese civilisation?” said Koster.
He further emphasised that compliance is a tangible form of shared responsibility for future generations.
“Let us rise together to defend and preserve this highly noble Island of Bali,” he concluded.