Linda Frandsen

The village of Batuyang. Here, we'll enter the home of a local couple to learn about the Controversial Topic of the Balinese caste system. The husband and wife come from different castes: a low caste and a higher one. They will talk to us about the history of the Balinese caste system, a centuries-old tradition which dates back to the time of Balinese kingdoms. They will also explain the difficulties faced by women of higher castes who are married to lower caste men, highlighting their own personal experiences with this issue. While more and more Balinese people are marrying outside their caste, the system still divides society today.
Bali has a hereditary caste system similar to India's, with four main castes: Brahmana (priests), Satria (warriors/kings), Wesya (traders/officials), and Sudra (commoners). This structure, known as wangsa, determines one's social status and is generally inherited at birth. While the system was once rigid, especially in traditional society, it has become more complex and is less emphasized by the younger generation, with tourism and modern influences contributing to a more "caste-blind" society for some.
The Four Castes
Brahmana: The highest caste, consisting of priests, holy men, and scholars who perform religious and ceremonial roles.
Satria (Ksatria): The caste of warriors, kings, and nobility, whose members may hold titles such as Anak Agung or Tjokorda.
Wesya (Vaishya): Composed of merchants, traders, and administrative officials.
Sudra (Shudra): The peasant or commoner caste, making up the vast majority of the Balinese population.
Key Aspects
Hereditary Status: Caste is inherited, and individuals are born into a specific wangsa or caste.
Name Prefixes: Each caste has associated name prefixes, with Brahmanas often having Ida Bagus (for men) or Ida Ayu (for women).
No Untouchables: Unlike India's system, there are no "untouchables" in the Balinese caste system.
Evolving System: The caste system is not static. The rise of tourism has contributed to a more "caste-blind" society in some areas, reducing discrimination and inequality.
Interdependence: Despite the hierarchical structure, there is a strong tradition of communal decision-making and interdependence within Balinese society.
In Modern Bali
While the caste system still influences social interactions and traditions, its rigid adherence has lessened, especially among the youth.
The economic shift towards tourism has created more opportunities that are less influenced by caste.
High-caste individuals are still well-respected, but the system is no longer the sole determinant of a person's role and status in society.Read more

Cremation in Bali is known as the Ngaben ceremony, a joyful and festive ritual that releases the soul of the deceased to its next life. This elaborate process involves processions with ornate cremation towers called wadah or animal-shaped lembu coffins, lively music, and dance. Families often delay the cremation to save money, sometimes waiting for community-organized mass cremations to spread the cost. The ritual concludes with scattering the ashes into the ocean, symbolizing the return of the physical body to the elements and the spirit's journey to the afterlife.
The Ritual of Ngaben
Purpose: The primary goal of the Ngaben ceremony is to free the soul (atma) from its earthly bonds so it can enter the spiritual realm and eventually be reborn or achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.
Festive Atmosphere: In contrast to Western mourning practices, Ngaben is a celebration of life and a joyous send-off. Music, dancing, and community participation are central to the event.
The Body's Transformation: The Balinese Hindu belief is that the physical body is a temporary vessel made of earth, air, fire, water, and space. The ceremony helps to release the immortal soul from this physical shell.
Key Components of the Ceremony
Bade (Cremation Tower): A towering, intricately crafted structure designed to carry the body. The number of roof tiers on a bade can signify the deceased's social status, with more tiers indicating a higher rank.
Lembu (Ox-Shaped Coffin): For those of high caste, the body is placed within a coffin shaped like an ox or other mythical creature, which is then used in the cremation.
Rituals: The ceremony involves various rituals, including cleansing the body, symbolic offerings, prayers, and the communal carrying of the bade or lembu in a grand procession.Read more