Jakarta, IO – Balinese arak has been officially designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB) of Indonesia by the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry (Kemdikbudristek).
According to the official website of the Bali Provincial Government on Monday (7/11), the decision was stipulated in Decree 414/P/2022.
Other than arak, eight other distinctive cultural heritages of Bali – Uyah Amed, Jaja Laklak, Lontar Bali, Sate Lilit, Karya Pemijilan Ida Bhatara Sakti Ngerta Gumi, Berko, Mejaran-jaranan and Serombotan – were also designated as WBTB. With this, the nine characteristics of Balinese culture have been protected and recognized nationally.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster also hopes that the community will continue to care for, preserve and develop the cultural heritage. He said the process of making Balinese Arak should be maintained and not done carelessly.