Country (Negara)

Jembrana Regency

Jembrana Regency, situated in the westernmost part of Bali, Indonesia, is a region that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. Established on August 14, 1958, Jembrana covers an area of 849.13 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 329,353 in mid-2024. The capital city, Negara, serves as the administrative center of the regency. (en.wikipedia.org)

Geography and Demographics

Jembrana is bordered by Tabanan Regency to the east, Buleleng Regency to the east and north, the Bali Strait to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. The regency is divided into four districts: Melaya, Negara, Mendoyo, and Pekutatan, encompassing 51 villages. The population is diverse, with 77.50% Balinese, 10.77% Javanese, and smaller percentages of Malays, Bugis, Madurese, Sundanese, Chinese, Sasak, and Flores ethnicities. Religiously, 70.91% of the population practices Hinduism, 26.72% Islam, and the remainder follows Christianity, Buddhism, and other faiths. (en.wikipedia.org)

Historical Background

Jembrana's history dates back to the early 1400s when a ruling family related to the Gelgel house was established in the region. However, a dispute among its two founders led to civil war and the destruction of the court. In the 17th century, Jembrana was sparsely populated and not of much interest to other royal Balinese kingdoms. For a time, it was ruled over by a prince from Sulawesi. Jembrana was one of the first kingdoms to surrender to the invading Dutch in the 1800s. (mbabalitours.com)

Economy

Agriculture plays a significant role in Jembrana's economy. The region produces rice, soybeans, bananas, coconuts, cloves, coffee, cocoa, beef, and buffalo. The manufacturing sector includes copra and coconut oil production, rice milling, fish canning, brick making, fish processing, and the production of tempe and tofu. (en.wikipedia.org)

Tourism

Tourism is a growing sector in Jembrana, with attractions such as West Bali National Park, Madewi Beach, Palasari Dam, Rambut Siwi Temple, and Bunutan Agrotourism. The regency is also known for its unique bull races, known as "Makepung," where water buffaloes pull wooden carts in traditional races. (balicasa-properties.com)

Cultural Significance

Jembrana's cultural landscape is influenced by various ethnic groups, including the Bugis people from Sulawesi, who have introduced Islamic traditions to the area. This has led to a higher number of mosques compared to other parts of Bali.