Bali Governor Wayan Koster has publicly rejected Indonesia’s longstanding two-child family planning recommendation, instead urging Balinese Hindus to have up to four children to ensure the survival of the island’s culture and traditions.
Speaking at the 11th Regional Congress of the ITB Alumni Association in Denpasar on Sunday, Koster said Bali’s cultural richness is its greatest asset. But he warned that this heritage could wither if the local population—particularly practicing Balinese Hindus—continues to shrink.
“If there’s no one left to carry out the banjar (community council) duties, to make lawar, to celebrate Purnama-Tilem, odalan, Galungan, Kuningan, or Ngaben, then our cultural activities will be under threat,” he said.
A Break from National Policy
Since the New Order era, Indonesia has promoted a national family planning campaign encouraging couples to have no more than two children. While not a law, the policy has been widely implemented through public messaging and incentives, with the aim of curbing population growth across the archipelago.
But Bali is now moving in the opposite direction. Koster said the provincial government is currently drafting incentives to support larger families among local residents—especially those with a third or fourth child, traditionally named Nyoman and Ketut in Balinese culture.
“I’m working hard to protect Balinese culture. If we don’t, the consequences could be serious. Bali is small, the population is limited. Who will maintain our culture in the future?” he said.
Cultural Preservation Through Demographic Growth
Koster’s administration has recently formed a special working group tasked with accelerating development in the province, with local population growth now considered a priority issue.
This move reflects a growing concern that Bali’s signature ceremonies, rituals, and communal systems—many of which require active participation from extended families and village members—could fade if demographic decline continues among Balinese Hindus.
For now, the proposed shift in family planning appears aimed only at Bali’s native population. Broader implementation or legal backing has not been announced, but the policy marks a stark cultural and strategic departure from national norms.
