RRI.CO.ID, Buleleng - Batu Pulaki, a distinctive gemstone native to Buleleng Regency, Bali, has officially obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) under the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia.

The certification follows a rigorous evaluation process, including a substantive field inspection conducted by DJKI on May 19, 2026. Officials visited the Geographical Indication Protection Society (MPIG) secretariat, artisan centers, and the Pura Melanting area to assess production techniques, quality standards, and market distribution. The GI certificate was officially handed over during the closing ceremony of the Lovina Festival 2026 on July 28.

Batu Pulaki holds deep spiritual and cultural significance within Balinese tradition, frequently utilized in sacred rites (sekala and niskala). Beyond its cultural value, the GI status provides legal protection against counterfeit claims, enhances market competitiveness, and establishes a framework for sustainable resource management to prevent environmental over-exploitation in Gerokgak Subdistrict.

Local officials and academic experts emphasized that the legal milestone represents a successful multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at safeguarding regional cultural heritage and boosting the local economy.

Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of Buleleng Regency, Ketut Suwarmawan, highlighted the cooperative effort required to secure the designation. In the application process for the Geographical Indication of Batu Pulaki, BRIDA Buleleng served as a facilitator guiding every stage and facilitated coordination with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property, accompanied the MPIG, drafted required documentation, and collaborated with expert teams from States Hindu Institute of Religion (IAHN) Mpu Kuturan Singaraja to strengthen the scientific study as the application's foundation.

This success demonstrates that synergy between administration, academia, and the community can produce legal protection for flagship regional assets that hold economic, cultural, and historical value," Ketut Suwarmawan said on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

Gerokgak Subdistrict Head I Gede Arya Rimbawa Giri added that Batu Pulaki constitutes a strategic economic asset and a vital piece of local heritage for the community.

Expert team member from IAHN Mpu Kuturan Singaraja, Ida Bagus Putu Eka Suadnyana, noted that research confirmed the gemstone's unique physical characteristics and intrinsic connection to Balinese customs, making regulated usage essential to protect both the environment and its cultural identity. ***