He clarified that the legislative body is not addressing gambling but rather focusing on tajen as a part of the Hindu religious tradition in Bali. “Everything deserves regulation; anything can be managed,” he explained.
Kresna Budi, a politician from the Golkar Party, also responded to comments made by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who stated that tajen does not require regulation. “It can be regulated; it doesn’t necessarily need a new regional regulation, but it should be included in existing regulations as part of local wisdom and tradition,” he noted.
Previously, Governor Wayan Koster firmly prohibited gambling associated with tajen or cockfighting. However, he mentioned that the government does not need to issue specific rules regarding tajen, as it can be held for traditional and ceremonial purposes. “From our perspective, as long as tajen is for ceremonial needs, there is no issue,” Koster stated at the Bali Governor’s office on May 30, 2025.
Nonetheless, Koster banned the practice of tajen outside of ceremonial events held in designated areas, especially when it is intertwined with gambling. “However, if tajen is conducted outside of ceremonies and in non-designated areas, it falls under the category of gambling, which is prohibited,” Koster added. “In my opinion, there is no need for a regulation to legalize tajen,” he concluded.
