The Bird Catchers Behind the Origins of Pikat Village, Klungkung
Pikat Village is one of 12 villages located in Dawan District, Klungkung Regency, Bali. The village holds a unique history linking its name to the tradition of bird hunting, known locally as mepikat.
The Mepikat statue stands gracefully in the grounds of Pikat Village’s public square. The statue seems to provide an answer for anyone hearing the village’s name for the first time and setting foot there.
The statue depicts a nobleman holding a cage complete with a bird in his hand, creating an iconic sight for anyone passing through the open green area.
According to a historical inscription carved on the local monument, the word ‘pikat’ indeed comes from mepikat, meaning to seek or catch birds.
Stories passed down through generations of community leaders say this history began with a royal family tradition during the kingdom era.
The tale goes that a member of the royal family who had a hobby of mepikat (catching turtledoves) set out from the palace early in the morning. Equipped with complete gear, he walked eastwards until he heard birdsong in the distance.
With great care, he set up his catching equipment accompanied by prayers that the bird would be successfully captured. By the grace of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, his wish was granted within a short time.
As an expression of gratitude, the area where the turtledove was caught was then named Pikat Village.
This origin story appears to be common knowledge among local residents. The tale has been told from generation to generation.
One resident selling goods not far from the statue, Nengah Sumatraman, explained that, true to its name, the Pikat Village area was once a favourite spot for bird catchers.
Even so, Nengah stressed that this does not mean residents there still practise the tradition of catching birds today.
“That is an old story. Nowadays there are no longer any residents who do mepikat,” said Nengah when met at his stall on Sunday (30/8/2026).
Today, the historical inscription of Pikat Village along with the Mepikat statue, signed by the Pikat Village head I Wayan Navy Sudarsa, stands firm not only as a decoration for the Pikat Village public square, but also as a means of educating younger generations and any visitors about cultural heritage.