Badung

History

History of Badung Regency: From Royal Glory to a Global Tourism Hub

Badung Regency, located in the southern part of Bali Island, possesses a deep historical narrative, stretching from the era of traditional kingdoms to its transformation into Indonesia's international gateway. With an area of 418.52 km² (often recorded within dynamic administrative scopes), Badung plays a central role in Bali's political and cultural constellation.

Origins and Royal Era of Glory

The historical roots of Badung are inseparable from the division of the Gelgel Kingdom. The genesis of the Badung Kingdom began in the 14th century, but its sovereignty strengthened under the leadership of I Gusti Ngurah Made Pemecutan. Badung grew into a strategic maritime and agrarian power by controlling the southern coastal region, including the natural harbor in Kuta, which became a center for inter-island and international trade. In the 19th century, the Badung Kingdom was divided into several main power centers such as Pemecutan, Denpasar, and Kesiman, which, despite being autonomous, remained bound by close kinship ties.

Resistance Against Colonialism and the Puputan Event

The most crucial moment in Badung's history occurred in the early 20th century. Tensions with the Dutch East Indies colonial government culminated due to the incident of the merchant ship Sri Kumala running aground on Sanur beach in 1904. The Dutch demanded a large indemnity, which the King of Badung refused. This triggered a Dutch military expedition to South Bali.

On September 20, 1906, the Puputan Badung event took place. The King of Badung, I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung, along with his noble family and thousands of his people, chose to fight to the last drop of blood (puputan) rather than submit to the colonizers. Dressed in white and carrying kris daggers, they charged into the Dutch cannon fire in front of the palace. This heroic event is commemorated by the Puputan Badung Monument in I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung Square, which stands as a symbol of the pride and patriotism of the Balinese people.

Independence Era and Physical Revolution

After the proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945, Badung became a battlefield in the struggle for sovereignty. One of Badung's finest sons, I Gusti Ngurah Rai, led the Ciung Wanara troops in the war of independence. Although the Margarana battle took place in Tabanan, the base of support and guerrilla coordination was largely rooted in the Badung region. Based on Law No. 69 of 1958, Badung was officially designated as a Second Level Region under Bali Province.

Modern Development and Cultural Heritage

Post-independence, Badung underwent a radical transformation. The development of Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban in the 1960s changed Badung's face into a tourism center. Southern areas like Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu developed into global destinations. Pura Luhur Uluwatu, founded by Mpu Kuturan in the 11th century and expanded by Dang Hyang Nirartha, remains a vital historical and spiritual site.

Culturally, Badung preserves unique traditions such as Siat Geni in the Traditional Village of Tuban and deep devotion to performing arts. Today, Badung is not just a regency with the highest regional income in Bali, but a guardian of history that has successfully blended modern infrastructure development with the noble values of local wisdom.