Tenganan Pegringsingan Traditional Village

Unveiling the Layers of Tenganan Pegringsingan Traditional Village: A Bastion of Bali Aga Culture in Karangasem

Desa Tradisional Tenganan Pegringsingan is more than just a tourist destination; it is a living representation of the Bali Aga (Original Bali) civilization, preserved purely amidst the currents of modernization. Located in Manggis District, Karangasem Regency, this village serves as a cultural center that strictly adheres to the concept of Tri Hita Karana with a unique interpretation passed down through generations since the pre-Majapahit era.

#

Uniqueness of Social Structure and Awig-Awig Customary Law

The cultural heart of Tenganan Pegringsingan stands on the foundation of customary law called Awig-Awig. Unlike other villages in Bali, Tenganan implements an endogamous system, where villagers are expected to marry fellow Tenganan residents to maintain the purity of lineage and rights to customary land. The village leadership structure is also highly specific, led by a customary council called Krama Desa, which governs all aspects of life, from religious rituals to the management of communal forests. Character education for the younger generation is conducted through an apprenticeship system within youth organizations (Daha for females and Teruna for males), serving as a practical platform for preserving ancestral values.

#

Customary Heritage: Gringsing Double Ikat Weaving

One of the main pillars of Tenganan's cultural identity is the Gringsing double ikat weaving technique. Tenganan Pegringsingan is the only place in Indonesia, and one of three places in the world, that practices this technique. The word "Gringsing" originates from "Gring" (sick) and "Sing" (not), meaning a ward against evil or protection from illness.

The process of creating this fabric is a highly complex cultural program, involving the use of natural dyes from local trees, such as morinda roots for red, tegeran wood for yellow, and indigo for blue/black. The process of soaking threads in candlenut oil can take months, even years, to achieve the desired level of softness and color vibrancy. Tourists and researchers visiting this cultural center can witness firsthand how Tenganan women weave using traditional backstrap looms, a demonstration of extraordinary patience and precision.

#

Mekare-Kare: The Iconic Pandan War Ritual

The most prominent cultural event in Tenganan Pegringsingan is Mekare-Kare, more commonly known as Pandan War. This ritual is part of the Sasih Sembah ceremony, an offering to Lord Indra, the god of war and protector of the village. In this spectacle, young men of the village fight one-on-one using bundles of thorny pandan leaves and rattan shields (ata). Uniquely, despite their bodies bleeding from the pandan thorn wounds, there is no animosity among the participants. After the ritual concludes, the wounds are treated with a traditional herbal concoction based on turmeric and galangal, believed to have rapid healing properties. This activity is not merely a spectacle but a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the social solidarity of the Tenganan community in safeguarding their ancestral land's sovereignty.

#

Selonding Performance Art and Music

Tenganan Pegringsingan possesses an exclusive treasure trove of performing arts, particularly Selonding Gamelan music. Unlike typical Balinese gamelan made of bronze, Selonding is crafted from ancient iron. The sound produced is sacred, mystical, and possesses a unique tonal scale. This gamelan is considered a sacred heirloom that cannot be played by just anyone and is only performed during major ceremonies.

In addition to Selonding, the village also preserves various sacred dances such as the Rejang Dance, performed by the Daha (village maidens) with very gentle and calm movements, adorned in beautiful Gringsing fabrics. This performance serves as a visual educational tool for the community regarding the aesthetics and ethics of female behavior within the Bali Aga customary order.

#

Cultural Education and Community Involvement

As a cultural center, Tenganan Pegringsingan runs an independent educational program. Young generations are actively involved in every preparation for ritual ceremonies. The "Cultural Apprenticeship" program informally occurs in every household, where children learn to weave rattan, write on lontar leaves, and understand traditional astronomy to determine auspicious days for ceremonies.

The community in Tenganan is also very open to academic research. The village often serves as a living laboratory for anthropologists, sociologists, and textile experts from around the world. Through these interactions, the Tenganan community actively participates in cultural diplomacy, introducing Balinese local wisdom to the international stage without compromising the integrity of their traditions.

#

Environmental Conservation Based on Local Wisdom

The preservation of cultural heritage in Tenganan is inseparable from environmental conservation. The village enforces strict rules regarding tree felling in their communal forests. Residents are prohibited from cutting down trees indiscriminately; only dead or fallen trees can be used for wood with permission from the customary council. This principle ensures that natural materials for Gringsing fabric dyes and other handicrafts remain available for future generations. This environmental management is a tangible proof that Tenganan's culture is a sustainable culture.

#

Role in Regional Cultural Development

The Karangasem Regency and Bali Province governments consider Tenganan Pegringsingan a vital cultural asset. This village serves as a benchmark in the conservation efforts of traditional villages in Indonesia. Its role is not only as a tourist object but as a reference center for the preservation of customary law and traditional craft techniques. By maintaining the uniformity of house architecture (with the same building orientation and narrow entrances called angkul-angkul), Tenganan provides a concrete example of how spatial planning can reflect a community's life philosophy.

#

Conclusion: Keeping the Flame of Tradition Alive Amidst Changing Times

Desa Tradisional Tenganan Pegringsingan proves that tradition is not static but dynamic, yet deeply rooted in fundamental principles. Through Gringsing fabrics, Selonding melodies, and the bravery in Pandan War, Tenganan continues to radiate strong cultural energy. The preservation efforts collectively undertaken by the villagers ensure that the Bali Aga identity will not fade but will remain a cultural beacon for Bali and the world. For anyone who visits, Tenganan offers more than just scenery; it offers a spiritual and intellectual experience about how humans should live in harmony with God, fellow beings, and the universe.