Sayan Village

Sayan Village History

In Bali, it’s widely believed that every village or banjar has its own unique history, which serves as the foundation for its establishment. The history of these places is often documented through chronicles, stories passed down from elders, and oral traditions, which are trusted and upheld by the community.

Sayan Village’s history is closely linked to Kedewatan Village, as Sayan was originally an extension of Kedewatan. Sayan officially became a separate village according to Governor’s Decree Number 661, dated October 28, 1991.

Historical records, including an inscription at Pucak Payogan Temple, indicate that a village has existed in this area since the year 11 Saka, or 89 AD, as noted by the Candra Sengkala inscription reading “Candra Bumi” (Candra meaning 1 and Bumi meaning 1, representing the year 11 Saka). Following the arrival of Rsi Markandya from Mount Damalung (now known as Mount Raung) to Taro Village via Pura Campuhan Ubud, many of his followers settled around the Wos River. Evidence of their presence includes meditation niches known as the giant cave. Additionally, folklore speaks of a giant killed by a farmer in Subak Pacekan, Penestanan Kelod, a tale reflecting the ancient Bali Aga people, who were followers of Rsi Markandya and lived in Sayan Village.

Thus, Sayan Village is recognized as an ancient settlement with a rich history and cultural heritage.

Mengwi Kingdom Era

Before the Mengwi Kingdom era, Sayan Village’s history is less clear. Under Mengwi rule, the village was governed by the Kelurahan of Mengwi descent, residing in Banjar Kutuh. Prominent banjars at the time included Banjar Sayan and Banjar Penestanan. The area prospered, as evidenced by the presence of Pura Dalem, Pura Desa, Pura Puseh, and Pura Naga Sari.

However, internal conflicts among the Mengwi kings weakened the kingdom, leading to chaos.

Gianyar Kingdom Era

Following the collapse of the Sukawati Dynasty, the Gianyar Kingdom emerged. Officials from Ubud and Peliatan took advantage of the Mengwi Kingdom’s instability to attack Sayan Village. To avoid bloodshed, Ubud and Peliatan officials spread rumors that the King of Gianyar was planning to attack Sayan Village. During this time, a barn in the Pacekan rice fields was deliberately set on fire, causing a loud noise. The residents of Mengwi fled west, across the Ayung River to Bongkasa Village. This is why Bongkasa Village now has a banjar called Banjar Sayan (moved from Banjar Sayan) and a Banjar Kambang (moved from Banjar Penestanan), a change that occurred around 1840.

With Sayan Village largely abandoned, Ubud and Peliatan officials established defenses in various areas:

  • Peliatan officials:
    • Banjar Penestanan Kelod
    • Banjar Kutuh
    • Banjar Pande
  • Ubud officials:
    • Banjar Penestanan Kaja
    • Banjar Baung

Manca Mas and Manca Batubulan also established defenses in:

  • Banjar Mas (Manca Mas)
  • Banjar Sindu and Banjar Ambengan (Manca Batubulan)

The Age of Ubud’s Greatness

During Ubud’s prominence, the area west of the Wos River was divided into two sub-districts:

  • Sayan Village, consisting of 8 banjars:
    • Banjar Kutuh
    • Banjar Pande
    • Banjar Baung
    • Banjar Mas
    • Banjar Sindu
    • Banjar Ambengan
    • Banjar Penestanan Kaja
    • Banjar Penestanan Kelod
  • Kedewatan Village/Sub-district, consisting of 6 banjars:
    • Banjar Tanggayuda
    • Banjar Bunutan
    • Banjar Kedewatan
    • Banjar Lungsiakan
    • Banjar Payogan
    • Banjar Kedewatan Anyar

These two villages served to defend against potential attacks from the Mengwi Kingdom.

Dutch Era

During the Dutch colonial period, Sayan and Kedewatan villages were merged into a single administrative entity called Perbekel Kedewatan.

Revolutionary Era (1945 to 1949)

In the Revolutionary era, the people of Sayan Village were determined to defend the Proclamation of Independence in 1945 and fought against re-colonization efforts by the Dutch. The Dutch, aiming to reassert control over Indonesia with the help of the NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Administration) army, faced strong opposition from the local residents.

To combat the Dutch, the People’s Revolutionary Initiative (PRI) was established as an anti-colonial force, with its headquarters in Bencingah, Sayan. When the Dutch forces entered Sayan Village, the PRI staff were relocated to Tegal Jambangan, and a new resistance group called the Black Front was formed. This group, led by Tjokorda Gde Agung Sayan, consisted of 30 troops. When the Dutch discovered the Black Front’s presence in Tegal Jambangan, they launched an attack, resulting in the death of I Liyang from Banjar Sindu. The remaining troops retreated westward to join Gusti Ngurah Rai’s forces, known as Ciung Wenara.

Notable heroes from Sayan Village during this period include:

  • I Liyang from Banjar Sindu, who fell in Tegal Jambangan.
  • I Nombrog from Banjar Penestanan Kaja, who fell in Ubud.
  • I Made Seken from Banjar Baung, who fell in Banjar Peninjauan (Kab. Dati II Badung).
  • I Wayan Lemud from Banjar Baung, who also fell in Banjar Peninjauan (Kab. Dati II Badung).
  • I Nasa from Banjar Sindu, who fell in Banjar Sindu.
  • Dewa Gde Rai from Banjar Sindu, who also fell in Banjar Sindu.

The residents of Sayan Village demonstrated extraordinary tenacity in their struggle to defend Independence, making Tegal Jambangan a key base for the independence movement.

A Revolution Monument was erected in Tegal Jambangan, featuring a balance scale. This site also served as a place for trying individuals accused of betraying the nation, who faced the death penalty. The monument in Tegal Jambangan is the only one of its kind in Nusa Tenggara.

Community Empowerment and Development

Efforts to empower the community are crucial for supporting regional autonomy. This involves enhancing motivation, participation, and self-reliance among residents through various institutions and mutual cooperation. Village development should optimize the use of local strengths and opportunities, strengthen village institutions, and ensure that resource utilization aligns with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

A balanced approach is essential in village resource management to harmonize economic interests with sustainable development goals. Development policies should aim to motivate and engage the community, foster mutual cooperation, and strengthen village integrity, ensuring that each village remains stable and sustainable while preserving its unique characteristics.

 

source : https://sayan.desa.id