YKKB Turns Six, Jro Bima Calls for Introspection and Protection of Bali’s Land

Strong winds tear open the stage backdrop as Jro Bima prepares to speak, with attendees interpreting the moment as a blessing from nature.

DENPASAR, BALI — The Kesatria Keris Bali Foundation (Yayasan Kesatria Keris Bali/YKKB) marked its sixth anniversary on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Pura Luhur Candi Narmada Tanah-Kilap, Denpasar, reaffirming its commitment to social service, cultural preservation, and the protection of Bali’s traditions and environment.

YKKB was officially established on September 6, 2020, at Pendopo Puri Agung Klungkung. Its establishment was marked by the presentation of the foundation’s ceremonial flag by Ida Ratu Dalem Klungkung to the organization, witnessed by several palace elders from across Bali.

After six years, YKKB’s chairman, I Ketut Putra Ismaya Jaya, widely known as Jro Bima, described the foundation as still being in its early stage and facing many challenges ahead.

“After six years, we are still like a child who has just entered school. There are still many challenges that we must face,” Jro Bima said.

YKKB was established as a foundation rather than a conventional mass organization, with its activities centered on social service and the preservation of Balinese culture. Its programs include blood donation drives, assistance for people with disabilities, legal aid for underprivileged residents, environmental clean-ups, and community activities at temples.

This year’s anniversary carried the theme “Mulat Sarira, Nyujur Rahayu,” a Balinese expression emphasizing self-reflection as a path toward goodness, safety, prosperity, and harmony.

“Mulat sarira” refers to the willingness to look inward, evaluate one’s own actions, and correct shortcomings. Meanwhile, “nyujur rahayu” means moving toward a life of safety, goodness, welfare, and harmony.

The philosophy carries a broader message: before blaming others, people are encouraged to examine themselves, improve their conduct, and contribute to a more harmonious society.

For YKKB, the anniversary was also a reflection of six years of voluntary service, or ngayah, carried out in the spirit of dharma and a commitment to protecting Bali’s cultural identity.

The anniversary celebration took an unexpected turn shortly before Jro Bima delivered his speech. As the audience applauded and repeatedly shouted “Ngayah, Ngayah, Ngayah, Sukses,” strong winds suddenly tore open the tightly secured backdrop covering the stage.

The unusual incident drew attention from attendees, some of whom interpreted the strong wind as a symbolic sign of nature’s blessing for Jro Bima’s commitment to satya nindihin gumi Bali, a phrase expressing dedication to protecting Bali.

A number of Balinese figures and representatives of organizations that have worked together with YKKB also attended the celebration. Among them were Bali Regional House of Representatives figure Dewa Rai, as well as members of YKKB’s advisory board, including Danrem 163/Wira Satya Brigadier General TNI Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra, S.H., and lawyer and community legal activist I Kadek Mariata, also known as Kadek Plawa or Made Mariata.

In a brief statement, Brigadier General Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra said he was entrusted with serving as an adviser to YKKB.

“To all members and the people of Bali, continue moving forward together, guided by truth and dharma,” he said.

The celebration also featured a performance by a visually impaired young singer. The performance impressed the audience, who came forward to offer voluntary donations as a form of punia. Brigadier General Hadisaputra also joined the young singer in performing a Balinese song.

“Her voice is extraordinary,” said Komang Satya, one of the attendees.

The event continued with poetry, theatrical dance, bondres, communal prayers, and other cultural performances. Bondres is a traditional Balinese comic performance that commonly uses masks or distinctive facial makeup to entertain audiences.

During the bondres performance, comedian I Nyoman Ardika, known as Sengap, delivered jokes directed at the YKKB chairman, including references to a failed political candidacy. Sengap also turned the joke toward himself by recalling his own unsuccessful bid for deputy regent of Tabanan.

“Even though we may fail, we can still win when it comes to protecting Bali and standing up for Bali,” Sengap said.

The celebration concluded with a joint prayer followed by a raffle featuring a motorcycle as the grand prize and several other prizes.

Jro Bima said the light rain that fell during the event was also viewed positively by the organizers.

“We are grateful. Although there was some drizzle earlier, we see it as a blessing. It reminds us that we remain brothers and sisters on Balinese soil, protecting Bali and helping restore the taksu of this land,” he said.

He also delivered a message specifically to younger generations, urging them to protect Bali rather than allowing uncontrolled development and exploitation to damage the island’s heritage.

“We have already enjoyed what our ancestors preserved. The younger generation must not destroy it. They must protect Bali even better, just as our ancestors protected this land so that it could be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren,” Jro Bima said.

“Let us not destroy our Bali,” he concluded.

Editor: Ray