from the jakarta post
The Denpasar chapter of the Grand Council of Customary Villages (MUDP) has decided to ban the making of ogoh-ogoh (giant papier-m*ch* dolls) for the upcoming celebration of Balinese Hindu Saka New Year, otherwise known as Nyepi.
Denpasar MUDP head I Made Karim said the decision was made at the end of January in Paguyangan Kangin, North Denpasar.
He said the production of ogoh-ogoh might disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Nyepi and its accompanying rituals, which run for a week starting March 26, because it closely coincided with the legislative elections day on April 9.
"It is not that we want curb our youths' creativity, but this decision was made because of a bigger concern, mainly to eliminate any possibility of a public order violation, which would be a major disturbance to the essence of Nyepi," Karim said at the Denpasar mayor's office, Monday.
The creation and parade of ogoh-ogoh has been the main activity of Balinese youngsters in the weeks before the celebration of Nyepi.
Generally, ogoh-ogoh take the form of demons and evil spirits depicted in various Hindu scriptures and Balinese folklore. A monstrous giant with menacing fangs and an intimidating pose is one of the most favorite themes among ogoh-ogoh makers on the island.
The ogoh-ogoh, escorted by groups of people carrying bamboo torches and a loud gamelan ensemble, are paraded around the night before Nyepi.
Earlier in the day, sacrificial offerings are made at homes, intersections and the city square in Denpasar. The day is known as Pengerupukan, during which Balinese try to simultaneously appease and scare away evil spirits.
Karim said the day of Pengerupukan was the council's main concern, citing the possible violent conflicts that may incur due to heightened tensions during election month.
"The political nuisance would only get hotter the closer we get to voting day. We don't want a religious ritual to be tainted by political problems," he said.
The celebration of Nyepi itself requires no activity whatsoever during the length of the ritual. Adherents must not travel, work or use lights.
Karim apologized on the behalf of the council for its decision. He said the council realized the artistic and economical importance of the ogoh-ogoh parade.
"*Ogoh-ogoh* is an invaluable and spontaneous creative event of the people, who would not think twice about spending millions on creating them," he said.
"For that we apologize that we have decided to omit this event from Denpasar this year."
He said the Pengerupukan ritual must be done in the people's respective homes. He said the council would punish those found making ogoh-ogoh, adding that he had relayed the decision to all district and subdistrict chiefs in the city.
In response, Denpasar city administration spokesman, I Made Erwin Suryadarma, said the mayor supported the council's decision.
He said the administration had also begun making pamphlets about the council's decision to pass to all districts and subdistrict chiefs in the city.