Page 22 - WANDERFUL TRAVEL

The population of Bali is more than 3,000,000 people spread throughout the
island, including those on the small islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan,
Nusa Lembongan, Serangan and Menjangan Island. The majority of Balinese
are Hindus, with the increasing number of non-Hindus migrating from the
nearby neighboring islands of Java and Lombok.

The coastal area in the south is the most densely populated area with more than
370,000 people living in various professions in the capital city of Denpasar.
Farming has become the main way of life in Balinese life. Where fishing, trade and
workmanship are also in fashion from generation to generation. But with the rapid
growth of tourism since the last few
decades, young people have begun to build new touches in their culture
of life. Life in Bali is very communal under the village organization.
Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, agriculture, and
even creative arts festivals were decided by a local community
institution called "Banjar". Responsibilities in everyday life are
usually managed by Banjar and the government. Local governments
are mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and
roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is
another association in the banjar called "Subak" which deals with
rice production and regulates complex irrigation systems. Every family
that has a rice field must become a member of the local Subak,
who then ensures that each member gets a fair distribution
of water. A banjar consisting of an average of 50 to 150 family members,
has a meeting place called Bale Banjar, which is used for regular
meetings and centers of local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

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