New generation shuns Balinese script

Antara, Bangli

Most of the younger generation in Bali are no longer able to write or interpret the traditional Balinese script, observers say.

Most texts and teaching originating from Bali's cultural values, a heritage that mixes philosophy with Hinduism, could no longer be understood by young people, the Utpati Krama Ritual Arts meeting in Selat Susut, Bangli, was told on Monday.

Speaking at the forum, which was initiated by the Pasraman Pradesa Bangli (PPB) institution, Balinese cultural observer Wayan Wista said that lessons in Balinese calligraphy and language were taught in nearly every elementary and high school in Bali.

However, only a limited number of students ended up able to grasp the language, especially the Balinese script, Wista said.

Artist and Pulo Candani Wisnakarma art workshop founder Ketut Pradnya said this inadequate knowledge meant many youngsters could become distanced from their roots.

"Why is that so? Because the Lontar scripture and the Buhun holy books on Balinese culture are written in the Balinese script," Pradnya said.

Most of the Balinese people's core values and philosophies were also written in the script, Pradnya said.

Concern over this increasing ignorance has led Pradnya to cooperate with the PPB in an effort to encourage youth to revive the use of the writing.

"We have gone through the initial steps to foster a feeling of compassion toward the script that is inherited from our ancestors," he said.

The program targeted interested students and would be taught as an extracurricular subject in schools, Pradnya said.

"We will adjust the times (for study periods) so that the subject will not interrupt other lessons."