The Balinese Vibe of Borneo: Experiencing the Pawintenan Ceremony in Batu Nindan Village, Kapuas Regency

Mr. I Nyoman Kadra is overseeing the Melaspas Ceremony. Photo by Ni Wayan Gateri.

Why, you ask? Because, as the title of this narrative suggests, this is where you can experience a taste of Bali on the island of Borneo. 

Here’s the unique story behind it.

Batu Nindan: The Balinese vibe of Borneo

Borneo, with an area of 287,000 square kilometers, is twice the size of Germany. Known locally as Kalimantan, this vast island is indeed a “land of abundant heritage.” 

Anyone is welcome to settle on the world’s third-largest island while reaching for the skies as they step onto its land. Central Kalimantan’s Mentaren is one of its notable places, and Batu Nindan Village is known as “Bali on Borneo.”

Historically, Batu Nindan Village is located in Basarang District, Kapuas Regency, and was established alongside Anyir Serapat in 1954. 

Originally, Batu Nindan was not a transmigration village but was designated as a free zone, inhabited by the indigenous Banjar and Dayak peoples of Central Kalimantan.

Over time, the local Dayak and Banjar communities requested that not all of Basarang District be turned into a transmigration village. They hoped that the area would remain under the ownership of the local people. However, as time passed, the land owned by Batu Nindan’s community was eventually sold to newcomers from Java and Bali.

There’s a Balinese village in Kalimantan

Today, Batu Nindan Village has grown and is home to around 60% Muslims, 39% Hindus, and 1% Christians. 

There’s a Balinese village in Kalimantan. Could there be a Dayak village in Bali?

Initially, the main mode of transportation for Batu Nindan’s residents was the river. However, with the rapid economic development, roads have been built. Now, the residents who once lived near the Kapuas River have moved closer to the main roads and use land transportation as their primary means of travel.

Batu Nindan Village is populated by various ethnic groups, including Javanese, Balinese, Banjar, Dayak, Flores, and Alor. The majority practice Islam, followed by Hinduism as the second most practiced religion. The village is home to approximately 487 families.

Pawintenan ceremony

In Batu Nindan Village, Hindus celebrate the Pawintenan Ceremony. They decorate with leaves, flowers, and water. In Hinduism, a spiritual leader known as Pemangku must undergo a special ceremony called Pawintenan before leading religious ceremonies.

Unfortunately, knowledge about the Pawintenan Ceremony is still limited. Hence, an academician is keen to write a book to help people understand it better. 

In our globalized world, external cultures are influencing ours. Thus, it's crucial to preserve our cultural traditions, including the Pawintenan Ceremony.

Pemangkus in Hinduism use special equipment such as Banten Saraswati and Tataban, which hold significant meaning in the religion. 

In Hindu communities, it is common to involve a Priest or Pemangku in the performance of yajna ceremonies, whether major or minor. The Pemangku acts as an intermediary between the ceremony's organizers and God, guiding and completing the ritual (nganteb).

The role of Pemangku as the ceremony leader has deep roots in Hindu tradition. This is because the Hindu community is divided into various professional groups, with the Brahmanas having a profound understanding of religious teachings, including religious rites and ceremonies. Thus, the Pemangku plays a vital role in conducting ceremonies.

Apart from major ceremonies, Pemangkus also participate in daily and minor rituals performed by Hindus themselves without the help of Priests or Pemangkus. They play a crucial role in maintaining and performing Hindu traditions in daily life.

In the context of Batu Nindan Village, Basarang District, Kapuas Regency, the Pawintenan Ceremony is of great importance to Hindus. 

Pemangkus are essential, especially for ceremonies such as odalan, otonan, the three-month rituals for children, tooth-filing ceremonies, bhuta yajna, and pitra yajna. With a strong Pemangku presence, Hindu traditions can be preserved and performed well within the Batu Nindan community.

To safeguard Hindu culture in the future, we need to support the Pawintenan Ceremony and the role of Pemangku to keep our traditions alive and vibrant.

There’s a Balinese village in Kalimantan. Could there be a Dayak village in Bali?

-- Kencana Wungu