Sesetan

What secrets does Sesetan hold? Sesetan whispers tales of ancient Bali. Here, amidst the vibrant tapestry of Denpasar, Sesetan began as a simple offshoot of the village of Pedungan. Sesetan, in the 15th century, was still part of Pedungan during the reign of Dalem Waturenggong. Pedungan itself was named after a sacred kris, the Peduwungan, belonging to Arya Kutawaringin. He was Dalem Waturenggong’s representative in the Badung region. A shrine was built for this powerful kris. This shrine, Pura Peduwungan, still stands in the Banjar Kepisah area of Sesetan. Farmers from Pedungan began cultivating the fertile eastern lands. They eventually settled there, calling their new home “Kesetan” or “Sepihan”, meaning “a fragment” or “a piece” broken off from Pedungan. Over time, Kesetan evolved into the name we know today: Sesetan. Sesetan has grown. Its population reached over 50,000 in the 2010 census. It boasts a diverse community. The banjars, or traditional neighborhood organizations, reflect this diversity. Banjar Gaduh is named after the Pasek Gaduh families who reside there. Banjar Lantang Bejuh describes the long, narrow shape of its territory. Banjar Pegok recalls its origins as a secluded settlement, “pegok” meaning “deep” or “inward”. Even the trees played a role. Banjar Suwung Batan Kendal takes its name from the Kendal trees that once grew there. Banjar Kaja and Banjar Tengah simply indicate their northern and central positions within Sesetan. Sesetan is more than just its history. This village is a cradle of art and tradition. It’s the birthplace of Gamelan Bungbang, a unique bamboo gamelan created by I Nyoman Rembang in 1985. And who could forget the vibrant Omed-omedan festival? This post-Nyepi celebration involves playful tug-of-war and ritual kissing between young unmarried men and women, a tradition meant to strengthen community bonds and perhaps spark a few romances.