Banjar, 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.

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A friend of mine asked me how to express a condolence in Bahasa Bali (Balinese language). It seemed an easy question at first but after a few moments I realized that Balinese language has no expression for showing condolence not even a simple “I am sorry”. I explained this “newly realized” fact to my friend and what saw is a face hunger for explanation, and I did not have to wait for the question I hated most, “why”. But an answer has to be given anyway.

My explanation ran as follow when Balinese heard a sound of kulkul (traditional communication device installed in every Balai Banjar (sub-village public house) with“death news” rhyme, the first thing that cross in their mind is “who was death?”, when will the work for preparation of body washing ceremony begin?” when will the cremation ceremony will be held? As soon as we know the identity of the deceased person we will go straight to their house not to express a condolence but to help the family preparing a body washing ceremony. After the preparation is finished, the time for expressing condolence is begun.

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