Deputy Speaker of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD Bali) I Wayan Disel Astawa has expressed support for a proposal to legalize tajen, or traditional Balinese cockfighting, citing its economic and cultural potential.
The suggestion to regulate tajen emerged from several local council members, who view the practice as a source of economic benefit for Bali.
“The benefits are greater for Bali’s development,” Astawa said after attending a plenary session of the DPRD Bali on Monday, 23 June. “Just like Jakarta, which didn’t have toll roads before. But with the opening of casinos during Ali Sadikin’s time as governor, there was infrastructure development everywhere.”
Astawa said Bali could similarly capitalize on the local tradition of cockfighting, describing it as a local genius and a cultural attraction.
“In this context, we look back at Jakarta under Governor Ali Sadikin. They had the courage to build casinos—why can’t Bali do something similar with our local cultural attractions?” he said.
Linked to Recent Violence
Astawa also tied the proposal to a recent deadly clash at a cockfighting venue in Songan A village, Kintamani, Bangli, on Saturday, 14 June, where a violent altercation reportedly left one person dead.
He argued that legalizing cockfighting could help reduce criminal incidents associated with the unregulated practice.
“In my view, this is reasonable. It’s better to legalize it than to keep it underground as it currently exists. Legalization would reduce criminalization and its consequences,” he said.
Awaiting Legal Review
Astawa noted that the legalization idea remains under review and would require approval from the central government, particularly due to provisions in the national criminal code (KUHP) that restrict gambling.
“We’ll need to request permission from the central government, since we must first check the relevant laws. We’ll open and study the regulations,” he said.
Previously, several members of the Bali DPRD also voiced similar views, suggesting that tajen be regulated and promoted as a form of cultural tourism.
