Organization

Organization of Desa Adat Padangtegal

Desa Adat Padangtegal is a traditional Balinese village organization (desa adat) in Ubud, Gianyar, Bali.
It serves as the central body that manages cultural, religious, environmental, and economic affairs on behalf of the entire community.

The organization ensures that daily life and development remain guided by Tri Hita Karana—the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and the divine.

Governance Structure

The governance of Padangtegal is a cooperative system rooted in Balinese custom:

1. Desa Adat Council (Prajuru Desa Adat)

The highest traditional authority responsible for:

  • Overseeing temple rituals and ceremonies.
  • Managing village assets and sacred sites such as the Monkey Forest.
  • Setting regulations to preserve culture and environment.
  • Representing the village in government and regional forums.

Key roles typically include:

  • Bendesa Adat – Traditional village chief.
  • Penyarikan – Secretary, managing administration.
  • Patengen – Treasurer, handling finances.
  • Other ceremonial and security officers as needed.

2. Banjar (Sub-Village Units)

The village is divided into four banjar (community hamlets).
Each banjar handles day-to-day social and ceremonial activities, and elects its own leaders who coordinate with the Desa Adat Council.

The four banjar are:

  • Banjar Padangtegal Kaja
  • Banjar Padangtegal Mekarsari
  • Banjar Padangtegal Kelod
  • Banjar Padang Kencana

Banjar committees organize local ceremonies, maintain facilities, and mobilize members for community projects.

3. Community & Social Groups

Various formal and informal groups support specific needs:

  • PKK (Family Welfare Movement): Women’s organization focusing on family health, education, and economy.
  • Sekaa Teruna Teruni: Youth association promoting arts, cultural performances, and social service.
  • Art & Culture Groups: Dance troupes, gamelan ensembles, and craft cooperatives that preserve Balinese artistic traditions.
  • Environmental Teams: Units managing forest conservation, waste management, and sustainable tourism.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Cultural & Religious Stewardship
    • Organizing temple ceremonies, festivals, and rites of passage.
    • Preserving the sacred Monkey Forest and related temples.
  2. Community Welfare
    • Supporting education, healthcare, and economic development.
    • Maintaining infrastructure and village cleanliness.
  3. Business & Economic Management
    • Overseeing community-owned business units (Monkey Forest Sanctuary, cooperatives, guesthouses, arts & crafts).
    • Ensuring that profits are reinvested for public benefit.
  4. Environmental Conservation
    • Protecting the 12-hectare Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
    • Implementing sustainable tourism and ecological projects.

Decision-Making

Decisions are typically made through musyawarah (deliberation) among the Desa Adat council, banjar leaders, and community representatives to maintain transparency and consensus.