Does the name Banjar Kertajiwa ring a bell? This is Setra Banjar Kertajiwa. This sacred ground holds stories that stretch back centuries. Let’s uncover the history of this important place.
Setra Banjar Kertajiwa is located in the village of Kesiman Kertalangu. This village has a rich history dating back to the Majapahit Empire. In 1343 Majapahit conquered Bali. To stabilize the government, they sent Sri Aji Kresna Kepakisan to establish a palace in Samprangan.
A descendant of Arya Wiraraja became a high-ranking official. He had a palace in Kertalangu. It was likely located near the current Balitex area. During the construction of Balitex many remnants of old buildings were found.
The Kingdom of Kertalangu was founded in 1350. But in the 16th century the kingdom declined. The rulers and their families moved to Tulikup. Later they moved to Sulang with the permission of the King of Klungkung. They established a palace there. It became the center of Arya Wang Bang Pinatih in Puri Sulang.
To govern Kertalangu I Gusti Ngurah Gede Pinatih left. Betara Sakti Pemecutan appointed Ngurah Pemayun. He built a palace in Kuwun south of Kertalangu.
To counter negative influences the rulers formed community organizations. They created a battlefield stretching from Patal Tohpati to Banjar Biaung. This area served as a burial ground. Brave warriors guarded this battlefield. They came from Banjar Tohpati Banjar Kertajiwa and Banjar Tangguntiti. Banjar Biaung was the southernmost post a decoy in battles. These Banjar warriors were brave soldiers of the kingdom. Banjar Tangtu and Banjar Kesambi have their own unique stories.
Over time regionalism faded. A new Banjar named Kertalangu was founded on September 14 1969. Later it split into Banjar Kertapura.
In the 17th century the rulers moved the kingdom to Petilan in Banjar Kedaton. The village became known as Desa Kesiman.
In modern times Kesiman was divided. This division was based on Governor’s Decree Number 57 of 1982. The decree concerned the preparation of villages. The decree made Kesiman Kertalangu an official village.
Today Kesiman Kertalangu consists of eleven Banjar. These include Banjar Tohpati Banjar Kertajiwa Banjar Kesambi and others. In 2016 the population of Kesiman Kertalangu was 17704. There were 7668 men and 10036 women.
As you stand here at Setra Banjar Kertajiwa remember the brave warriors. Remember the history of kingdoms and villages. Feel the weight of centuries of Balinese culture. This sacred ground connects us to the past. It reminds us of the ever-changing story of Bali.