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Balinese Communities

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Most Balinese live in villages and highly value the family unit and the neighborhood of families (Banjar) that they live with. The entire village made up of Banjar is a Desa Adat, which is organized and utilizes such local government as voting and integrated decision-making by the family heads. Another aspect of the daily life of the Balinese is the Subak, the organization of farmers. By managing village life, agricultural fields, and distribution of water, the Subak (every Banjar has one or more) helps coordinate the efforts of the village and guarantee sure that the Balinese remain Balinese despite foreign influences. Bali Hinduism, another part of daily life in Bali, also helps guarantee this as it requires that the Balinese remain who they have always been.

When attempting to understand Balinese culture, it is crucial that this primary truth be grasped: individuals in Bali cannot exist alone. Balinese society is based on community; and the community will either support or destroy you. Since the community owns the land, a person who chooses to ignore the advice of village leaders may find himself unable to produce food. Those who turn their backs on the religion or lifestyle that the community embraces may be cast out and incapable of even keeping themselves (and their families) alive. When the village has a party, everyone comes. Whether you participate by playing an instrument or dancing does not matter; however, you will participate. When a family in the Banjar is struggling, the entire Desa Adat will work together to provide them with food and support. Those living in traditional Balinese culture (this does not take into account the changes that current years have brought with the rise of travel and technology) either exist in community, or they do not exist at all.

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