Ever wondered how a village transforms into a vibrant community? Let’s explore the story of Sumerta Kaja. This village in Denpasar Timur holds a special place in Bali’s history.
Sumerta Kaja wasn’t always its own entity. Back in 1979, it was part of a larger entity known as Sumerta. Recognizing the need for better administration, Sumerta was divided. Sumerta Kaja officially became a preparation village.
The division was formalized by a decree from the Bupati Kepala Daerah Tingkat II Badung. This decree, numbered 167/Pem.15/166/1979, was dated December 1, 1979. It marked the beginning of Sumerta Kaja’s journey.
The name Sumerta was chosen thoughtfully. Elders considered the village’s location west of the Puri, the Kesiman Kingdom. Sumerta was an easy name to remember.
Sumerta Kaja covers an area of 52 hectares. It is led by a perbekel, I Gusti Ngurah Mayun. The village is bordered by several other communities. To the east lies Kelurahan Sumerta and Kelurahan Kesiman. Sumerta Kauh sits to the west. Tonja is to the north and Sumerta Kelod to the south.
In 2016, Sumerta Kaja had a population of 12,626. This comprised 6,844 men and 5,782 women. The sex ratio was 118.
Sumerta Kaja continued to develop. On June 1, 1982, it was officially designated as a definitive village. This was done through Surat Keputusan Gubernur Kepala Daerah Tingkat I Bali Number 57 Tahun 1982.
Sumerta Kaja comprises six Banjar Dinas and Banjar Adat. These are traditional community organizations. Sumerta Kaja strives to be a leading village. It aims to surpass other villages with its economic strength and cultural richness.
Sumerta Kaja operates with a clear vision. It is “Bersama Membangun Desa Sumerta Kaja Yang Jayanti Berlandaskan Tri Hita Karana”. This translates to “Together We Build Sumerta Kaja Towards Excellence Based on Tri Hita Karana”. Tri Hita Karana emphasizes harmony among humans, nature, and God.
The village has a clear mission. One key point is strengthening community unity. This is done while preserving Balinese art, customs, and Hindu-inspired culture. Improving governance through technology is another goal. They also focus on boosting human resources. They want to improve the environment.
Sumerta Kaja empowers its people. It focuses on developing small businesses. The village also uses BUMDes, village-owned enterprises, to strengthen the economy.
A highlight of Sumerta Kaja is its annual festival. The Sumerta Kaja Festival showcases local arts and empowers the community. It promotes Balinese culture among the youth. The festival includes dance competitions. There are also fashion shows for seniors. Coloring contests and drawing competitions are also held. Healthy walks and health screenings are part of the festivities. The festival involves local small businesses.
Sumerta Kaja stands as a testament to community spirit. It is a place where tradition and progress meet. Its story showcases how a village can thrive by honoring its past. It also embraces the future.