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Before I talk about Perang Pandan, let me tell you about the village first. Tenganan is came from balinese word Tengah means center, this is believes because the people of Tenganan was living at the shore and then move into inside the island. Tenganan Pegeringsingan is located at Manggis district, approximately 70 km eastern from Denpasar. It is close by Candidasa and can be easily reached by public or private vehicles.

Between 14 and 16 Century A.D. it can be said that it was the strongest implantation of influences by the last Biggest Hindu Java Majapahit kingdom in Bali. One theory says that those Balinese who did not agree to the new influx of influences than run to the mountain and settle there. Those people are now known as “ Bali Aga “. There are 5 villages in Bali which are classified as this type such as Tenganan, Trunyan,Sembiran,Sidatapa, and Pedawa villages. But based on Bali King's inscription dated back to 9 century it seems that this theory is not supported. Since Trunyan village has already been an autonomy village by that time, so nothing caused residents of Trunyan to run from outside influences, if we relate the influences after 9 centuries onward.

Other theory said that Bali Aga villages emerged because of frequent attack from new comers to seize a strategic area or settlement area. This theory is supported by one of the inscription dated back to 9 century now preserved at the village of Sembiran. This village was, before located on the beach and consisted of 50 families and was attacked by seafarers which caused death of 20 families, and the rest run to the mountain.

Perang Pandan

The word “ perang pandan “ is a two words noun in Indonesian language means Pandan (pandanus) battle/combat/war/fight, while in Tenganan this combat dance is called “ makare-karean “ This event is carried out during the ceremony of the temple called “ Ngusaba .“ This annual ceremony usually held at 3:00 PM just before the Ceremony of Ngusaba Begin.

For makare-karean combat dance there is no rule of fighting, except the dance is given more to younger generation. The term “ fighters “ may more appropriate name to designate perang pandan instead of a dancer. The fighters bring in hand sharp edged pandanus leaves, while the other hand holds bamboo or rattan woven body shield to protect the body from the provocation of opponent. One person acts only as a referee.

This is one on one battle from two group that has made before. The Gambelan and song of Makare-karean will be the soundtrack of this rituals. Louder the soundtrack, harder they will fight. The "fighter's" body will be scratch, thorny and bleeding and the unique thing is they never feel hurt. There is no winner and loser in this combat and no revenge after the fighting. The ritual leader will gives the scratch an oil made from herbal medicine, and spread holy water to the fighters. No heart feeling among fighters, and they all sit together to have meals on banana leaves after.

This unique rituals only held at Tenganan village, Karangasem. No where else can be seen the ritual like this, even in other village in Bali.