On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Badung Regency government, led by Bupati I Wayan Adi Arnawa and Wakil Bupati Bagus Alit Sucipta, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection systems by distributing Hari Raya Keagamaan social assistance of Rp 2 million per family (KK) to 88,594 Hindu families with Badung ID cards. This initiative is part of a local fiscal intervention strategy aimed at maintaining the purchasing power of residents amidst rising prices of essential goods as the religious celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan approach.
The symbolic distribution of aid took place at two significant locations: Wantilan Pura Dalem Jati in Desa Adat Penarungan, Mengwi, and Wantilan Pura Dalem in Desa Abiansemal Dauh Yeh Cani, Abiansemal. This assistance is being provided in anticipation of the upcoming Hari Raya Galungan on April 23, 2025, and Kuningan on May 3, 2025, with the primary goal of supporting the community in managing the economic pressures that accompany these religious festivities.
During the handover ceremony, Bupati Adi Arnawa emphasized that this assistance is a proactive response to the social and economic dynamics leading up to the holiday, and it is not merely a symbolic gesture. He stated, “This assistance is a concrete manifestation of the government's presence in ensuring that the community can celebrate the holidays with dignity, without being burdened economically. The social assistance for the holiday is also part of the effort to preserve the cultural values of the Balinese community, including customs, religion, tradition, and the arts that form the foundation of Badung's identity.”
This social program is one of the initiatives under the Sapta Kriya Adicipta program, which encompasses seven flagship programs of the regional government aimed at realizing a fair, prosperous, and competitive Badung society. In addition, Bupati Adi Arnawa announced the launch of a program to award death certificates as a form of humane public service grounded in cultural values. He remarked, “This is a tangible expression of fiscal policy that is sensitive to the social and cultural conditions of the local community. In the future, the Badung Regency government will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of social assistance programs as instruments of economic stabilization and social cohesion.”
The distribution of assistance is spread across six sub-districts: Mengwi (25,541 KK), Abiansemal (23,208 KK), Petang (8,380 KK), North Kuta (9,452 KK), Kuta (5,528 KK), and South Kuta (16,485 KK). The funds for this assistance come from the 2025 Badung Regency Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) and are implemented in accordance with several regulations, including Law No. 11 of 2009, Law No. 13 of 2011, Minister of Social Affairs Regulation No. 8 of 2012, and Badung Regent Regulation No. 10 of 2025.
AA Ngurah Raka Sukaeling, the Head of the Badung Social Service, reported that this assistance is a strategic policy to ensure inclusivity and social justice during significant religious holidays. He noted that the rise in the prices of essential goods leading up to the holiday can create psychosocial and economic pressures, particularly for vulnerable groups. Therefore, this cash assistance policy is expected to maintain social stability and provide space for the community to celebrate the holidays with dignity.
This social assistance program continues the commitment of the local government, which has been evident in previous distributions, such as the assistance provided to 7,741 families for the Muslim community ahead of Eid al-Fitr on March 26, 2025. This reflects the inclusive approach of the Badung Regency government in ensuring equitable welfare regardless of religious or social backgrounds.
At the aid distribution event in Wantilan Pura Dalem Jati, Desa Adat Penarungan, and Wantilan Pura Dalem, Desa Abiansemal Dauh Yeh Cani, several local officials were present alongside the Bupati. Among them were members of the Badung Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the Mengwi and Abiansemal electoral districts, including Nyoman Satria, I Made Yudana, I Wayan Regep, Putu Yunita Oktarini, and I Made Ponda Wirawan. Other attendees included the Secretary of Badung, IB Surya Suamba, the Head of BPKAD, IA Istri Yanti Agustini, relevant OPD officials, and local district heads.
This initiative underscores the local government's ongoing efforts to support its residents during significant religious observances, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate without financial strain. As Badung continues to navigate economic challenges, such measures are crucial for fostering community resilience and maintaining cultural traditions.
