Well needless to say, I haven't been the best about updating my blog, but life here is always so busy! To catch up on the past couple weeks, I celebrated a great deal of religious holidays with my host family. Galungan was on March 18, and we spent the day going around to many different temples in the village and compounds and prayed/placed offerings in honor of the family ancestors. Most of this was done by women, as the men's role in Galungan took place the day before by slaughtering pigs. The Balinese eat many pork dishes for their rituals including a dish called lawar, which is vegetables, coconut, spices, and blood. It is pretty tasty I might add! That weekend, a group of us went to Sanur and caught the "slow boat" with the locals, which took about an hour, to a tiny island of Bali's SE coast called Nusa Lembongan. While there, we spent time on a GORGEOUS white sand beach and the water was the prettiest aqua I've seen thus far. I would love to go back and go diving!

On March 25, the day before Nyepi, the entire village was extremely busy and loud. There were a great deal of offerings, guns being fired, and usually there are ogoh-ogoh (paper mache monsters that are paraded around the village) but because of the election taking place on April 9th and the intense competition between banjars (neighborhoods) the Balinese were not allowed to make them this year. Nyepi is a holiday for the demons. The day before, there are offerings made, and a lot of noise, and ogoh-ogoh to scare them away, and then the next day, Nyepi, is spent in silence with no lights on, so they think the island is not inhabited and will leave it alone. On Nyepi, no one is allowed to leave their house (there are even guards paroling the streets to make sure), turn on lights, have entertainment, or eat/drink. A lot of Balinese bend the rules however, and eat, play cards, and sometimes turn on a light or tv. It was a really relaxing day! On March 28, we attended an odalan, or temple festival, at Pura Samuan Tiga in Bedulu (which happens every 210 days). My Ibu and I walked carrying the banten--offerings--on our heads) and prayed in several different parts of the temple. It was amazing, and there were so many people there! Afterwards, we got tipot (rice cubes), with bean sprouts, green veggies, and a spicy peanut sauce...mmm! On Saturday, there was an odalan at the Pura Desa in Bedulu, and it was very similar, except I stayed to watch a Topeng mask dance and wayang kulit (shadow puppet theater) performance, which was very interesting, because no one seemed to even notice it was going on. When I asked about it later, I was told that the performances are for the gods, not the people in attendance. Very interesting!

This past week was jam-packed with papers, art presentation, ISP proposal, and finals in Thematic and Bahasa Indonesian. In addition, I went to Denpasar a few times in preparation for my ISP (Independent Study Project), which I began today! I am typing this from Singaraja, which is on the north coast of Bali, and will walk to south Bali conducting research. I will copy my ISP proposal into this blog, in case you'd like to know a bit more about what I'm up to.

This post wasn't as detailed as I would like, but I've definitely ran out of time these last couple weeks and can't believe I moved out my family's house this morning! So strange! I'm not sure when/where I'll have access to internet, but will try to post any interesting stories about our (me and my friend Lindsey) walk!

Hope all is well! Sumpai Jumpa!

Kristal

Kristal Sawatzke

SIT ISP Proposal

March 31, 2009

A Walk Through Bali’s Opinions About Nyentana: A Glimpse At Regional Difference

Bali is a world rich in culture, custom, and tradition that encompasses all aspects of daily life for its citizens, including food, clothing, and homes. A traditional Balinese compound consists of many bale[1] used for housing family members, cooking, bathing, and most importantly for historical kinship and ancestral worship, a family temple and shrine(s). As a predominately patriarchal society, typically, a male heir remains in his compound and a woman marries into his family, essentially leaving her family/ancestors behind. This perpetual patrilineal cycle is the extremely common throughout Bali but leads to concern when there are is no male child to become the familial heir. Described by Geertz and Geertz in Balinese Kinship as, “a process of heir substitution” (1975: 55), Nyentana, a form of marriage in which a male marries into a female’s compound is a solution in some parts of Bali, such as the Kerambitan and Gianyar regencies, but is not desired and is even illegal in Buleling. Despite opposing thoughts on the subject, the alleged reasoning behind communal opinions about nyentana in both Singaraja[2] and Munduk Pakel[3] are due to historical and traditional viewpoints. When asked how they developed their opinion about nyentana, citizens from both areas responded with, “That’s the way it’s always been.” In an effort to discover the intricate cultural meaning regarding nyentana and its regional significance, I propose to walk from the north coast of Bali to the south, surveying citizens along the way. Through collecting quantitative data, I will formulate a visual statistics-based map depicting the opinions of Balinese citizens in a plethora of villages throughout a three-week period. As a crucial aspect of the study, it will aid in delving into the historical origin of nyentana and discovering the reason for Bali’s extreme regional difference of opinion.

Although travel by bemo[4] may be more convenient given the short time frame, walking is an extremely important variable in the study, because it will reduce bypassing villages and important opinions throughout the course of the Independent Study Project (ISP). In a three-week time span, I will conduct 300 four-question surveys,[5] in regards to nyentana, to a broad age range of people with equal gender distribution. The participants will be read a short briefing about the study in Indonesian, and will be reassured about its anonymity in an effort to reduce any concern or dishonesty. Upon answering fill in the blank questions about gender, education, regency, and age, they will read questions about nyentana and can circle responses based on a four-point Leikert’s scale ranging from strongly disagree to strong agree. In addition to distributing anonymous surveys, I will conduct several qualitative interviews both with[6] and without Sentana, a male who marries into a female’s family. Following the survey period, I will spend one week culminating data to analyze statistical trends and regional differences in Bali.

Due to the fact that there is little to no research on nyentana in Bali, the study is both challenging and important. Without precedent for basis, it is difficult to gauge the outcome, but important because there are little available resources about nyentana and none to my knowledge about statistical opinions. As surveys and interviews are conducted, other variables or sub-themes are likely to arise such as religion, patrilineal kinship, gender equality, or historical influence that may give insight into cultural opinion about nyentana. Any sub-themes of the ISP will be developed upon analyzing data from the surveys and interviews in the final writing period. Under the guidance of my advisor, Dr. Wayan Windia and the School for International Training (SIT) staff, I am certain that I have the necessary and available tools[7] to complete a successful, and intriguing, ISP: A Walk Through Bali’s Opinions About Nyentana: A Glimpse At Regional Difference.

Appendix I

Weekly ISP Goals:

Week 1:

· Copy/organize 300+ surveys to conduct

· Meet with students in Singaraja to obtain their opinions about nyentana

· Translate Pak Windia’s book

· Physically ease myself into the walking portion of the project

· Gradually become comfortable striking up conversations with citizens of Bali in order to ask opinions about nyentana and where to stay in villages

· Conduct 100 surveys

Week 2:

· Conduct three qualitative interviews

· Continue to build confidence with strangers

· Type up survey responses

· Maintain a well-organized ISP journal

· Translate Putu’s book

· Research nyentana and Raad Kertha if access to the internet

· Conduct 100 surveys with wide age range and equal gender distribution

Week 3

· Conduct five qualitative interviews both with and without a Sentana

· Meet with students from Denpasar to obtain their opinions and compare to students from Singaraja

· Translate any unknown questions from interviews

· Maintain a well-organized ISP journal

· Research emerging sub-themes

· Conduct 100 surveys

Week 4

· Type any remaining survey answers and calculate statistics

· Cross-analyze many variables in opinion: gender, age, region, education, etc.

· Finalize any research on sub-themes and combine with statistics

· Conduct any final surveys/interviews as needed

· Create a visual aid map of Balinese opinions about nyentana

· Print five copies of final ISP

Overall ISP Goals:

1.) Maintain a positive demeanor throughout the ISP’s entirety

2.) Discover possible reasons for the regional difference in opinion on nyentana

3.) Develop Bahasa Indonesian and interview skills

4.) Gain confidence from surveys and asking to sleep in Balinese homes

5.) Produce a physically challenging ISP that is academically stimulating

Appendix II

ISP Itinerary

Date:	Village:	Mode of Transportation:
April 4-6	Singaraja	Bus/Walk
April 7	Kubutambahan	Walk
April 9	Penulisan	Walk
April 11	Catur	Walk
April 13	Pelaga	Walk
April 15	Petang	Walk
April 17	Sangeh	Walk
April 19	Mengwi	Walk
April 21	Sempidi	Walk
April 22-24	Denpasar	Walk
April 25	Jimbaran	Walk
April 26	Pecatu	Walk
April 27	Uluwatu	Walk
April 28-May 2	Nusa Dua	Bemo
May 3	Peliatan	Bemo
May 4-13	Bedulu/Ubud Area	Bemo

Call-In Dates:

Date:	Time:
April 6	3 p.m.
April 13	3 p.m.
April 20	3 p.m.
April 27	3 p.m.

Appendix III

ISP Budget Proposal:

Item:	Cost:
Food	1,000,000 Rp
Lodging	1,500,000 Rp
Camera	2,400,000 Rp
Transportation	300,000 Rp
Survey Supplies (copying, pens, folder)	50,000 Rp
Travel Supplies (med kit, pack cover, etc)	150,000 Rp
Printing and Internet fees	200,000 Rp
Total	5,600,000 R

Contact Information:

Name:	Relationship:	Phone Number:
Kristal Sawatzke	--------	081236044302
Lindsey Sedlack	Travel Companion	081236087051
Wayan Windia	Advisor	08179725835
Jenell Sawatzke	Mother	16123277418

Appendix IV

Survey Tentang Nyentana

Bacalah dengan teliti. Survey ini merupakan bagian penting dari KKN tentang pendapat orang Bali mengenai nyentana berdasarkan daerah (kabupaten). Jawaban Anda sepenuhnya dirahasiakan jawablah pertanyaan-pertanyaan berikut dengan sejujur-jujurnya. Waktu yang disediakan hanya lima menit. Masukanlah kuisener kedalam map yang telah disediakan segera setalah Anda selesai mengerjakannya. Partisipasi Anda sangat diharga.

Isilah

Jeniskelamin_____________________ Umur___________________________

Asal____________________________ Pendidikan______________________

Lingkarilah Jawaban

1.) Sangat tidak setuju

2.) Tidak setuju

3.) Setuju

4.) Sangat setuju

1.) Menurut Anda apakah nyentana merupakan bentuk perkawinan yang bias diterima?	1 2 3 4
2.) Menurut Anda apakah status laki-laki yang nyentana akan berkurang?	1 2 3 4
3.) Menurut Anda apakah pendapat masyarakat akan berubah tentang nyentana?	1 2 3 4
Untuk perempuan: 4.) Jika Anda anak tunggal, apakah Anda akan mencari sentana?	1 2 3 4
Untuk laki-laki: 5.) Jika Anda bukan satu-satunya anak laki-laki dalam keluarga Anda, apakah Anda akan nyentana?	1 2 3 4

Masukanlah kuisener kedalam map yang telah disediakan segera setalah Anda selesai mengerjakannya. Banyak terima kasih

Appendix V

Survey About Nyentana

This survey is a crucial portion of my Independent Study Project (ISP) on regional Balinese opinions about nyentana. Please note that your answers are completely anonymous, so be as honest as possible. The questionnaire should only take about five minutes to answer, and please place it in the folder when you are finished. Your participation in the study is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Fill in the blank

Sex____________________________ Age_____________________________

Origin__________________________ Level of Education_________________

Circle the number that best corresponds with your answer to the questions below:

1.) Strongly Disagree

2.) Disagree

3.) Agree

4.) Strongly Agree

1.) Do you feel nyentana is an acceptable form of marriage?	1 2 3 4
2.) Do you feel a man’s status is lessened as a sentana?	1 2 3 4
3.) Do you feel your community’s opinion about nyentana will ever change?	1 2 3 4
For women: 4.) Assuming you were an only child, would you consider looking for a sentana?	1 2 3 4
For Men: 5.) Assuming you were not the only male heir, would you consider being a sentana?	1 2 3 4

Please place the survey in the folder. Thank you very much.

Appendix VI

Pertanyaan-pertanyaan untuk sentana tentang nyentana

1.) Siapa nama Anda?

2.) Apa pekerjaan Anda?

3.) Berapa usia Anda?

4.) Dari mana asal asli?

5.) Apakah istri Anda bekerga? Apa pekerjaannya?

6.) Kapan Anda menikah?

7.) Apakah Anda memliki saudera? Berapa saudera Anda?

8.) Bagaimana tanggapan keluarga Anda tentang nyentana?

9.) Baigaimana persaan Anda saat meninggalkan leluhur Anda?

10.) Bagaimana perasaan Anda saat meninggalkan keluarga Anda?

11.) Seberapa sering Anda mengunjungi keluarga Anda?

12.) Saudera Anda tinggal di rumah keluarga Anda?

13.) Bagaimana keluarga istri Anda memperlakukan Anda?

14.) Apakah Anda memliki anak?

15.) Apakah Anda menyuruh anak perempuan Anda untuk mencari sentana?

16.) Bagaimana banjar memperlakukan Anda?

17.) Apa peranan Anda dalam banjar?

18.) Kegiatan apa yang Anda ikuti dalam banjar?

Appendix VII

Interview Questions for a sentana about nyentana

1.) What is your name?

2.) What is your occupation?

3.) How old are you?

4.) Where do you originate from?

5.) Does your wife work? What is her job?

6.) When did you get married?

7.) Do you have siblings? If so, how many?

8.) How was the response of your family to nyentana?

9.) How do you feel about giving up your ancestors?

10.) How do you feel about giving up your family?

11.) How often do you visit your family?

12.) Do any of your siblings live at home?

13.) How does your wife’s family treat you?

14.) Do you have children?

15.) Would you find a sentana if you have/had a daughter?

16.) How does the community treat you?

17.) What is your role in the neighborhood?

18.) What activities do you participate in in your neighborhood?

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[1] Pronounced bah-lay, this is the Indonesian word for building.

[2] Singaraja is a city in the Buleling regency in northern Bali that opposes nyentana.

[3] Munduk Pakel is a village in the Tabanan regency in southern-central Bali that supports nyentana.

[4] Pronounced bay-mo, this is an Indonesian public transportation van.

[5] See Appendix IV for a copy of the survey in Indonesian. See Appendix V for a copy of the survey in English.

[6] See Appendix VI for a copy of the interview questions with a Sentana about Nyentana in Indonesian. See Appendix VII for a copy in English.

[7] See Appendix I for ISP weekly and overall goals, Appendix II for the ISP Itinerary, and Appendix III for the ISP budget proposal/contact information.