Flaming Bonds of Brotherhood

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Tukad Sangsang bridge bustled with the local community of Adat Village Duda, Karangasem, on Monday, January 31, 2022. From the gradually darkening day, a faint light began to emerge amid the crowd.

The small flickers grew stronger, louder, and warmer—emanating from the dried coconut leaves that were set ablaze. The fire roared to life.

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Then, a bare-chested man shouted from the west end of the bridge:

"Forward!"

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Almost immediately, the atmosphere turned uproarious. The troops behind him charged forward. Meanwhile, at the other end of the bridge, another group stood ready to clash. They met in the middle of the bridge, hurling the flaming coconut leaves at each other.

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Red and orange flames danced in the dimming light. The coconut leaves struck from back to head, further intensifying the fervor as the continuous beat of the Baleganjur gamelan orchestra heightened the chaotic atmosphere.

Despite the fiery battle raging, no grudge was held by any of the participants. After three rounds, the conflict concluded with embraces.

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For the past half-decade, the community of Adat Village Duda has revived the "Siat Api" ritual, paused since the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. Conducted annually, this ritual aims to neutralize all negative elements in the universe. Fire, serving as the main medium of combat, symbolizes the emotions within oneself that must be controlled to achieve the desired harmony.