Bali News / Bali Travel and Holiday Updates

Late is always better than never at all seems to be the mind set of a number of art associations in Bali in respond to increasing number of Balinese traditional designs registered by foreign entrepreneurs – reside in Bali as well as abroad – as their own invention. To prevent losing more those association formed an organization called Forum Peduli Budaya Bali (Forum for Protection of Balinese Culture) FPBB.

FPBB Chairwoman Desak Nyoman Suarti explained that the forum carries a number of noble missions, with protecting Balinese traditional culture from foreign abuse as the most prominent one. “Balinese culture has to be safeguarded. We do not want to see foreigners taking over Balinese ancient heritage with their money” , said Suarti in an interview by Bali Post.

“The such protection is also intended to encourage Balinese designers to present their creativity”, explained Suarti who also the owner of Suarti Maestro. Right now potential Balinese traditional designers are reluctant to show their creative talents in result of many Balinese traditional designs registered by foreigners. The forum is also intended as a think tank chamber for local designers. “They should not feel any fear to explore and invent anything related to Balinese culture”, she said.

Furthermore the forum’s executive Nyoman Lodra added that the forum is also intended to advocate Balinese traditional designer in law awareness, especially intellectual property rights. In global business climate, designers are expected to register their creation as early as possible, which will prevent any potential abuse by irresponsible parties who identify commercial yields.

With regard to Balinese heritage traditional designs which have been registered by foreigners, the forum will do whatever it takes to return them to Balinese community. However, he admitted that the forum do not know precisely which of these designs have been actually registered. The forum will firstly go to the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights to find them out. “We will then take necessary actions accordingly, including insisting the government to place lawsuit against registration of these designs abroad,” Lodra continued.