Bali Harnesses Blockchain to Safeguard 'Ogoh‑Ogoh' Tradition

RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar - The Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law is embracing digital innovation to protect local cultural heritage, strengthening intellectual property rights for Ogoh‑ogoh through blockchain‑based technology.

The initiative was discussed during an audience with PT Baliola Adi Maha Duta at the Dharmawangsa Room on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, focusing on accelerating copyright registration and digital documentation of Ogoh‑ogoh creations.

Ogoh‑ogoh are giant effigies created and paraded in Bali on the eve of Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence). They symbolize negative forces and human vices, which are ritually confronted and then destroyed to restore balance.

Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law, Eem Nurmanah, described the program as a breakthrough in ensuring the sustainability of Bali’s culture amid rapid technological change.

“Ogoh‑ogoh is a cultural expression deeply rooted in Balinese society. Digitalization and copyright registration not only safeguard the works but also create new economic opportunities for creators,” she said.

The meeting also explored the development of kraflab.id, a blockchain‑powered platform for authenticating creative works. Through this system, the traditionally temporary Ogoh‑ogoh figures will be documented and transformed into miniature models with clear legal protection and economic value.

Although the tradition has flourished since the 1980s, formal recognition of Ogoh‑ogoh as communal intellectual property only began in 2026. Eem emphasized that integrating cultural preservation with technology marks a strategic step in strengthening traditional works within both legal and creative economy frameworks.

Head of the office's Legal Services Division, I Wayan Redana, affirmed readiness to facilitate copyright registration and provide guidance to artists and communities, stressing the importance of extending the program beyond Denpasar to reach all of Bali.

The initiative will be integrated into the Kesanga Festival, where each Ogoh‑ogoh will be registered, documented, and produced as miniatures equipped with blockchain‑based QR codes to guarantee authenticity and transparency.

Closing the session, Eem highlighted the need for cross‑sector collaboration -- including with cultural and tourism agencies -- to balance heritage preservation with tourism development.

With this synergy, the Bali’s office of the Ministry of Law Office is optimistic that Ogoh‑ogoh will not only endure as a cultural tradition but also deliver sustainable economic benefits for local artists. (Annaila Azzahra/Sri Wahyuni)