Bali Governor Reinforces Directive on Balinese Script Usage in Public Spaces
Denpasar, The Gulf Observer: Bali Governor Wayan Koster has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the implementation of his directive mandating the use of the Balinese script in public spaces across the province. Speaking at an event commemorating Balinese Language Month 2025 in Denpasar on Sunday (March 2), Koster emphasized the initiative’s significance in preserving the island’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, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement.
Governor Koster stated that while his administration initially introduced the directive during his first term, its full implementation was delayed due to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he affirmed that his second term would prioritize the initiative to ensure Bali’s cultural identity remains intact.
Highlighting the success of countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand in preserving their traditional scripts, Koster stressed the importance of strengthening Bali’s cultural and social fabric. “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.
To support this effort, the governor has engaged with business stakeholders, encouraging their participation in promoting the Balinese script and cultural traditions. “Bali’s tourism is fundamentally rooted in its culture,” he noted, emphasizing that modernization must not come at the expense of the island’s rich heritage.
Koster also reiterated his intention to collaborate with traditional and customary communities to ensure active local participation in this cultural preservation movement. His renewed commitment reflects a broader effort to integrate the Balinese script more prominently into daily life, reinforcing Bali’s unique identity on the global stage.
