Lontar Conservation in Bali’s SEZ Aims to Reveal Valueable Information

RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar - The Bali Provincial Culture Agency is targeting the discovery of new information from lontar conservation activities in the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Serangan Island, Denpasar, Bali.

"The Kura-Kura Bali SEZ in Bali has collaborated with Balinese Language Instructors. I hope that when these seemingly old lontars are read, they will uncover valuable information," said Ida Bagus Alit Suryana, Head of the Bali Culture Office, on Friday, February 27, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Bagus Alit explained that the conservation of old lontars generally yields readings in the form of history, regional information, folklore, and even traditional medicinal remedies.

The Kura-Kura Bali SEZ in Bali houses a variety of ancient lontars, collected at the Bali Abode Gallery and now being released. Therefore, according to the Bali Culture Agency, the possibility of discovering new information from these ancient lontars is not ruled out.

"If something like that does emerge, it would be extraordinary. Through this special economic zone, we will have an excellent and certainly useful source of information," he said.

The palm leaf conservation initiative, in collaboration with Balinese Language Instructors, is part of a series of Balinese Language Month commemorations held by the Kura-Kura Bali SEZ.

In addition to translating the palm leaf leaves, a Balinese script writing festival for the younger generation was also held. The Bali Culture Agency expressed its appreciation for this involvement, as the investment is not only for tourism but also for cultural preservation.

He expressed belief that anyone living or working in Bali should share the responsibility for preserving Balinese culture, especially if they can engage the younger generation.

"Hopefully, others will follow suit, especially since I see many Balinese cultural relics being preserved here. This means they are participating in preservation, and they are also engaging the younger generation who will become the future leaders in Bali's development," he said.

Bagus Alit noted that this year's Balinese Language Month was attended not only by locals but also online, with many participants from outside Bali, such as Lombok, East Java, West Java, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Sulawesi. He said this demonstrates the deep love many people have for Bali and its local wisdom.

Zefri Alfaruqy, Head of Communications for the Kura-Kura Bali SEZ, expressed his gratitude for the Bali Provincial Administration's support for their activities.

They used the opportunity to showcase their collection of lontar (palm leaves) in the hope that the Balinese script translations would benefit. They also invited 40 students to a Balinese script writing workshop, followed by creative activities such as handicraft making and a culinary festival.

"Our Bali Abode Gallery happens to have a collection of lontar (palm leaves), so we will examine it and conserve it. Since it's in Balinese script, we also invited students and the general public to train and share materials with instructors," he said. ***