DENPASAR – Amid public attention surrounding Sira Village Grand Outlet Bali within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ), its management has introduced a policy that has attracted particular interest. Every retail outlet is required to display Balinese script at Sira Village, positioned above the Latin alphabet on its signage without exception.
The implementation can be seen across store signage throughout the shopping destination. Regardless of the ongoing discussions surrounding the development of the Kura Kura Bali SEZ, the use of Balinese script is considered to strengthen the presence of Bali’s cultural identity within the modern commercial environment.
Bringing Balinese Script into Public Spaces
Bali electoral district member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Gede Sumarjaya Linggih welcomed the implementation of Balinese script.
According to the Chairman of the Bali Regional Executive Board of the Golkar Party, the more frequently Balinese script is used in public spaces, the greater the opportunity for people, particularly younger generations, to become interested in learning it.
“If it continues to be used, people will become increasingly interested in learning it. It is part of cultural preservation. Using it in this way actually helps introduce Balinese script to a wider audience. If something is no longer used, over time it can become outdated and eventually be abandoned,” he said on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
He said the use of Balinese script would not diminish its cultural value or dignity. Instead, bringing the script into public spaces could strengthen its presence while encouraging people to become more familiar with and use it in everyday life.
“This is part of cultural preservation, which indirectly helps promote Balinese script in public spaces,” he explained.
Sira Village’s Commitment to Balinese Culture
Zefri Alfaruqy, Head of Communications at PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), said the use of Balinese script across all retail signage at Sira Village Grand Outlet Bali is not merely an aesthetic element, but a tangible expression of the company’s commitment to supporting the preservation of Balinese culture.
According to Zefri, the policy is aligned with the vision of the Bali Provincial Government to preserve, protect, and strengthen the island’s cultural identity.
“The use of Balinese script across all retail signage reflects our commitment to moving in harmony with the Bali Provincial Government’s vision of preserving and strengthening Balinese cultural identity,” Zefri said.
He explained that the commitment is also reflected in the development concept of Sira Village, which incorporates traditional Balinese spatial philosophy through elements such as Bale and Natah, alongside cultural performances and the use of Balinese script throughout the commercial destination.
The implementation of Balinese script also reflects compliance with Bali Provincial Regulation No. 1 of 2018 on Balinese Language, Script, and Literature. The policy was developed through collaboration between BTID, Sira Village management, and all participating tenants.
Development Rooted in Local Identity
As the developer and management entity of the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone, BTID emphasizes that the area’s development is not solely focused on economic growth but also on strengthening local cultural identity.
The company has also established various collaborations with Serangan Traditional Village, including support for Balinese Language Month and a range of arts and cultural preservation initiatives.
BTID hopes Sira Village Grand Outlet Bali can demonstrate how a modern shopping destination can develop in harmony with cultural preservation.
Through this approach, visitors can experience more than shopping. They can also discover and appreciate Bali’s rich cultural heritage as an integral part of the island’s identity.
Source: Wartabalionline.com
