GIANYAR, BALINEWS — Bali Police Chief Inspector General Pasma Royce has stressed that gambling remains a law enforcement priority, while emphasizing that activities associated with Balinese traditions, including tajen (cockfighting) and tabuh rah (a traditional ritual involving the shedding of animal blood), must be assessed in the context of applicable laws, customs, culture, and religious practices.
“Clearly, the Bali Regional Police will not tolerate gambling activities,” Pasma said in response to questions from journalists.
He explained that addressing activities that intersect with local traditions requires coordination between the police, regional government, and customary leaders to ensure that national law is enforced while Balinese cultural and traditional practices are properly understood.
According to Pasma, cultural, customary, and ritual perspectives must be considered comprehensively when determining how a particular activity should be handled. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among relevant stakeholders in addressing issues involving local traditions.
His remarks come amid ongoing public discussions about how law enforcement should distinguish between traditional cultural practices and activities that constitute illegal gambling under Indonesian law.
The statement was made on the sidelines of an anti-drug campaign organized by I Nyoman Parta, a member of Commission III of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, in collaboration with Balinese artists. The event took place at Wantilan Jaba Pura Dalem Guwang in Sukawati, Gianyar, on Saturday night, October 24, 2026.
During the event, Parta launched three songs highlighting the dangers of narcotics: Ejohin Narkoba, Lingkar Derita, and Iblis Berjubah Dewa. The event also featured Balinese band Lolot Band, local artists, and members of the community.
The music initiative aims to spread anti-drug messages through creative approaches that can reach a wider audience, particularly younger generations.
Meanwhile, Pasma’s comments on gambling underscore the police force’s broader law enforcement responsibilities. He reiterated that gambling would not be tolerated, while activities connected to Balinese customs and rituals must be examined in their specific context and in accordance with the law.
Coordination between law enforcement agencies, local government, and customary leaders is expected to help address these issues while taking Bali’s distinctive social and cultural characteristics into account.
