Bali Governor Wayan Koster is increasingly adamant on the total implementation of his
Gubernatorial Regulation Number 80 of 2018 concerning the use of Balinese Language, Script, and Literature.
Governor Koster wants Balinese Script to be evident in all public spaces. The Governor’s reaffirmation was declared at the opening of Balinese Language Month VIII 2026 at the Ksirarnawa Building, Denpasar Cultural Park, Sunday, 01 February 2026.
As reported by Beritabali.com. Governor Koster is complaining that the use of Bali’s distinctive written script is still falling far short of what he intended to achieve through legislation. “During my second term of office, I will push for a community-wide effort to publish Balinese script in all public spaces. Use Balinese script, ideally without mixing with other non-Balinese scripts. That would be cool,” said the Governor.
According to Koster, Balinese Script should be conserved and promoted because it is a cornerstone of Balinese culture. The Governor cites several countries that develop and promote local scripts, including Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand.
”It’s proven that countries using indigenous are able to preserve them and have strong civilizations and have become developed nations. It’s proven that these countries currently outperform others,” Governor Koster added.
The question of the day has become: Prasida semeton nulis basa Bali? (Can you read and write Balinese script?)
The Governor of Bali also emphasized that the Balinese script is a noble ancestral heritage. “As a researcher, I wonder how our ancestors could create such an extraordinary script to pass on to succeeding generations. We inherited such a beautiful script; our job is simply to use it in an orderly manner,” he said.
Koster emphasized that the Balinese script is not merely a visual display. “The message is how we preserve our heritage to strengthen our identity and character as Balinese. This is not just a mere fashion statement,” he explained.
Therefore, Koster encourages the Balinese people to be disciplined and proud to use the Balinese script. “Don’t be ashamed to use the Balinese script. Instead, be proud of it,” he emphasized, while encouraging collective awareness and the courage to reprimand any violations in its use.
The Governor of Bali also emphasized that the Balinese script is a noble ancestral heritage. “As a researcher, I wonder how our ancestors could create such an extraordinary script to pass down. We inherited such a beautiful script; our job is simply to use it wisely,” he said.
He emphasized that the Balinese script is not merely a visual display. “The message is how we preserve our heritage to strengthen our identity and character as Balinese. So it’s not just a mere fashion statement,” he explained.
Bali Reading and Writing
While a 2000 census reported that 3.3 million Balinese have some fluency in the spoken Balinese language, it is unclear how many of that number can actually read and write the ancient hanacaraka Balinese script. In 2011, the Bali Cultural Agency estimated that fewer than 1 million people still used the Balinese language in their daily lives.
Sadly, the written form of Balinese (Aksara) is unfamiliar to many, if not most, Balinese. Even when compelled to write Balinese words and phrases, many Balinese would resort to spelling them out in the Latin alphabet, unwilling or unable to render a language they can speak in the ancient Aksara forms that Governor Koster now insists must be used in all signage across the island.
All Local Balinese Products Must Use the Balinese Script
To expand its implementation, Governor Koster has also instructed the Bali Provincial Department of Industry and Trade to promote the use of the Balinese script on all local products.
”All local Balinese products are standardized and must use Balinese script. If they don’t, they shouldn’t be marketed. I even go to hotels, and if they don’t use the script, I’ll reprimand them,” he warned.
In his remarks, Koster also reiterated his commitment to preserving Balinese culture. His attention to culture has been demonstrated through his service as a member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and his role in shaping the enactment of Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture.
Concerns, however, are growing on many fronts that the Governor’s obvious love and commitment to the use of ancient Balinese script do not reflect the linguistic and literary capabilities of Bali’s people.
The question of the day has become: Prasida semeton nulis basa Bali? (Can you read and write Balinese script?)
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