REGIONAL NEWS
Today, the clock showed 5:00 in the afternoon. As the sun began to set in the west and Hindus across various regions started unwinding after a full day of activities, a soothing educational broadcast accompanied their evening break. Through the Mimbar Agama Hindu program on Radio Srinadi, which airs every afternoon, Hindu Religious Counselor from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Klungkung, Dewa Ayu Antari, warmly greeted listeners.
What made the broadcast special was that its radio waves reached far beyond Klungkung, extending into the homes and relaxation spaces of families in Bangli, Karangasem, and Gianyar. Through this calm afternoon break, the counselor successfully expanded her educational outreach across multiple regions under the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bali Province.
The topic discussed was highly relevant to everyday life: “Learning Management Through the Series of Galungan Sacred Days.” Through the broadcast, Dewa Ayu Antari invited listeners to view the Galungan–Kuningan sequence not merely as a religious ritual, but as a form of the management “curriculum” inherited from their ancestors.
While enjoying a warm cup of tea in the afternoon, listeners were guided to examine how Balinese ancestors had actually structured an extraordinary system of time management.
“If we observe closely, our ancestors had already arranged time management in a very systematic way. It begins with Tumpek Uduh, followed by Sugihan Jawa and Sugihan Bali for physical and spiritual purification, then Penampahan for preparation, with Galungan as the peak symbolizing the victory of Dharma, followed by Umanis Galungan as a moment to strengthen relationships,” explained Dewa Ayu Antari.
Through these stages, the peak of Galungan is understood as the triumph of Dharma over Adharma—representing the ability to exercise self-control so as not to be consumed by material concerns, while continuously nurturing spiritual values.
She further reminded the Hindu community about the true essence of the celebration so they would not become trapped in material prestige.
“Galungan management is not about who has the most elaborate banten (offerings), but about how Hindus can observe the holy day with devotion, health, and happiness,” Dewa Ayu Antari emphasized.
The use of this relaxed afternoon broadcast slot, which reaches a wide audience, reflects a strategic initiative by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Klungkung in implementing the Ministry’s Asta Protas agenda. The learning derived from religious traditions forms part of efforts to promote excellent, inclusive, and integrated education.
By delivering impactful religious services during a time of rest and reflection, this sacred message not only strengthens understanding of Hindu teachings but also provides practical wisdom that can be applied in the daily lives of Hindu communities across Eastern Bali.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gusti Ngurah Sathya Dharma
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
