Arja is a kind of Balinese theatrical performance, further development of Gambuh, the oldest theatrical performance in Bali. The word “arja” is derived from the word “reja” means “beauty”. The birth of Arja can be traced back to the year around 1175-1825 in the reign of Dewa Agung Sakti, the king of Klungkung.

Arja dancers on The 28th Annual Bali Arts Festival 2006 Opening Parade

Arja is one of the most technically difficult dance-drama of Bali, since the dancers must sing and dance at the same time. This characteristic is similar to opera performance in western countries. The language that is used in Arja performance is a mixing of Kawi (ancient language of Javanese and Balinese). The royal characters sing and talk in a high partly in kawi, partly in high Balinese, and are paraphrased by their servants or ministers into common Balinese that is much more easily understood by the audience.

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A cremation ceremony is a joyful moment, full of happiness and festivity, with tons of offerings, lavishly decorated cremation tower, energetic sound of Gamelan Balaganjur, elegant procession, and flocks of family, relatives, and Banjar members.

Theoretically, a cremation ceremony can be held in a simple way, without so much fuss with simple offering and simple preparation but as a matter of fact, a simple cremation ceremony is a rare event. Many Balinese consider that a simple cremation ceremony is a disgrace to the deceased and his/her family. Fred B. Eiseman, Jr gives a better explanation on this account.

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When death comes to a Balinese family and take away one of its members, it is no longer a family’s business. It is a community’s business. At this time the Balinese unity and sense of owning is put into the greatest test.

A death in Bali requires a cremation ceremony and it is a big deal that needs a great deal of money, a great deal of time, and a great deal of work (physical and knowledge). It is impossible for the family to manage this massive work and the service of community especially the Banjar (a sub-village neighborhood organization) is needed.

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Bali, the Island of Thousands Temples, can boast of 50,000 temples, but that figure is far smaller then the number of shrine found in Bali. There are more than one and a half million shrines scattered all over the island. They are everywhere, outdoor and indoor; they can be found in houses, courtyards, marketplace, cemeteries, and rice paddies; on beaches, barren rocks off-shore, deserted hilltops, and mountain heights; deep inside caves; within the tangled toots of banyan trees. At most intersections and most dangerous places, temples are erected to prevent mishaps. Even in the middle of jungle crossroads, incense burns at small shrines brightened with flowers, wrapped leaves, and gaily colored cloth.

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Magic in Balinese life is an integrated part of daily life, there is no clear distinction between the real phenomenon and magical one. There is no word for “miracle” in Balinese language, since in everyday life; Balinese do not differentiate between miracle and common phenomenon. All phenomenons however strange it is, has an explanation and the favorite explanation from a Balinese for a weird event is “the imbalance” between the positive and negative force produces this strange event and a kind of ceremony is needed to restore the balance.

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The Bali Global Forum, “Power of Peace Building through Communication and Information”, has been organized by UNESCO working with the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Government of Indonesia in Jimbaran, Bali - Indonesia from 21^st – 23^rd January 2007.

The purpose of the forum is to identify practical measures to harness the mass media and information and communication tools for cultural self expression and peace.

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