- CUSTOMARY Village also has security guard named pecalang tasked to make sure that all the activities and territorial in secure condition
- In some cases like government activities, it is deployed to help police and municipal police
If you have ever come to Bali, you may have met the officers who wear customary clothes with black and white patches, both in terms of headdress (udeng) and saput (cloth over the kemben). Behind his back is tucked a kris dagger. Well, that’s the customary officer named pecalang.
You may find them to help Hindu pilgrims when crossing the road in front of temples or people’s house while having religious activities. Or they are also in charge of regulating traffic around the venue of customary village activities.
Pecalang is a customary village security officer. They are responsible for securing the customary village area, all customary activities, upholding customary awig-awig or bylaw and maintaining the peace of all its citizens.
According to Purwadigama palm-leaf manuscript, the following are the requirements to become a Pecalang:
- Knowing the correct cardinal directions, detailed tasks and how to handle problems related to security disturbances and their prevention.
- Having the courage to be right and defend what is right in a fair manner and dare to defend the customary village where he is assigned.
- Have individual sensitivity and intelligence to think. They can act quickly or nimbly when there is a problem and deal with it, but still be careful.
- Having the qualities of a teacher, such as being able to guide and set a good example. When rewarding others, their actions must be in accordance with the principle of justice.
In the same Purwadigama manuscript is also stated the obligations of the pecalang as follows:
- Must always be close, guide and maintain communication with all citizens.
- Should give correct instructions for villagers. The instructions can be in the form of directions, or examples. Pecalang must set a good example for the villagers because they have charisma and authority.
- Maintain the security of the customary village by carrying out patrols or traveling around the village area.
Additional tasks
Sometimes, pecalang is also involved in securing non-customary events such as political events or MICE tourism activities. Of course, they are still under the coordination of the police and the event committee.
