Banjar: Balinese People’s Republic
Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 by Sidarta WijayaBanjar, or Balinese neighborhood organization, an aggregate of member families that plans, organizes, and executes the great majority of activities that makes up Balinese life. Anthropologist uses the term “hamlet” for banjar. The banjar is the most important organization in Balinese society; it penetrates and plays important role in every aspect of Balinese life. No cremation, wedding or other ceremony can be held without the participation of the banjar members.
Each banjar has its own law called awig-awig, and the member of banjar adhere more to the banjar law than the state official law. The banjar is an autonomous republic and government has a minimum authority and influence on it. Although the Banjar does not get a penny from the Government the Banjar as group has a very strong influence in local Government decisions, 3500 independent banjars make up Balinese society.







