Governor pledges to promote use of Balinese script across province

Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Governor of Bali Province, Indonesia, Wayan Koster, has pledged to reinforce his directive on the widespread use of the Balinese script in various public spaces across the province.

Speaking at an event commemorating Balinese Language Month 2025 in Denpasar City on Sunday (March 2), Koster underscored the importance of promoting the traditional script as a means of preserving Bali’s cultural heritage.

"This is why I have mandated the use of the Balinese script for street signs, public facilities, and government offices. However, this directive has not yet been optimally implemented," he remarked.

The governor affirmed his commitment to ensuring the effective enforcement of this cultural initiative during his second term. He acknowledged, however, that he had refrained from strictly enforcing it during his first administration due to the economic pressures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Koster emphasized that preserving the Balinese script is crucial for safeguarding Bali’s cultural identity, citing the successful efforts of China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand in maintaining their traditional scripts.

"This initiative is intended to strengthen Balinese culture and social order, as the script serves as an identity that sustains Bali’s existence," he stated, highlighting the island’s rich cultural heritage and global appeal.

To support this initiative, Koster said he had engaged with business stakeholders, encouraging them to participate in efforts to promote the Balinese script and culture.

"Bali's tourism is fundamentally rooted in its culture," he noted, stressing that Balinese cultural traditions must endure amid rapid modernization.

Furthermore, the governor reiterated his intention to collaborate with traditional and customary communities to promote the use of the Balinese script, ensuring that local residents play an active role in this cultural preservation movement.