THE DEAF VILLAGE: Desa Dengan Bisu Tuli Terbanyak di Bali.

Summary

Desa Bengkala, a unique village in Bali, is home to one of the highest concentrations of deaf and mute individuals, known as 'kolok,' in Indonesia. The village's population has been affected by both genetic factors and local legends, with 2% of its residents being born deaf. Despite this, the community thrives through inclusivity, with deaf and hearing individuals working together and using a local sign language. The village also preserves its culture through traditional arts, including the Janger Kolok dance. Ongoing research and government support focus on empowering the 'kolok' community through education and skill development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village of Bengkala in Bali is known for its higher-than-usual population of people with hearing and speech disabilities, referred to as 'kolok'.
• 😀 Bengkala's population includes around 2% of people born deaf and mute, which is notably higher than the national average in Indonesia.
• 😀 The term 'kolok' refers to individuals with hearing and speech impairments, and they communicate using sign language, which is commonly understood by all villagers, both disabled and non-disabled.
• 😀 The village of Bengkala has been recognized for having a unique genetic trait that causes higher instances of hearing and speech impairments among its population, passed down over generations.
• 😀 Research on the causes of the high incidence of deafness in the village has been conducted by both local and international universities, with theories ranging from genetics to a royal curse.
• 😀 Local beliefs state that the deafness in Bengkala may have originated as a curse from a king in ancient times due to villagers protesting high taxes, which led to the royal decree of muteness.
• 😀 The village is a historical site, with evidence dating back to the 12th century, and it has been a subject of study for its unique cultural and genetic features.
• 😀 In Bengkala, individuals with disabilities are fully integrated into the community, participating in various professions and even traditional cultural activities without facing discrimination.
• 😀 The local elementary school in Bengkala is an inclusive school that provides education for children with hearing impairments, where sign language is used to teach both disabled and non-disabled students.
• 😀 The residents of Bengkala, including those with disabilities, actively participate in traditional arts, such as the Janger Kolok dance, which incorporates sign language and specific movements tailored to their communication needs.
• 😀 The government of Bengkala has worked to empower the disabled community by providing vocational training and opportunities in local businesses, ensuring their economic independence and social integration.

Q & A

What is the significance of Desa Bengkala in Bali?

Desa Bengkala is known for having a high population of deaf and mute individuals, about 2% of its residents. This unique characteristic makes it one of the most concentrated communities of people with hearing and speech impairments in Indonesia.

What is the origin of the term 'Kolok' used to describe the deaf and mute people in Desa Bengkala?

'Kolok' is a local term used in Desa Bengkala to refer to individuals who are both deaf and mute. The term signifies a community that primarily communicates using a local sign language.

How did the community of Desa Bengkala develop its distinctive culture?

The culture in Desa Bengkala developed through the adaptation of local traditions to the needs of the deaf-mute community. One example is the creation of the Janger Kolok dance, a unique form of the traditional Janger dance performed by deaf individuals who rely on visual cues instead of hearing music.

What are some possible causes of the high incidence of deafness in Desa Bengkala?

There are two main theories: one is that it is due to a genetic factor that has been passed down through generations, while another is that it is the result of a curse from a local king who imposed the condition after villagers refused to speak during a dispute.

How does the community of Desa Bengkala address the challenges of being deaf and mute?

The community addresses these challenges through inclusivity and mutual support. Communication primarily takes place via local sign language, and the village encourages participation in communal work and cultural practices. The local school also provides education tailored to children with hearing impairments.

How does the local school in Desa Bengkala cater to children with disabilities?

SD Negeri 2 Bengkala is an inclusive school that accommodates children with hearing impairments. It uses local sign language in education and follows a regular curriculum, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the same educational opportunities as other children.

What is the 'Janger Kolok' dance, and how is it performed?

The 'Janger Kolok' is a modified version of the traditional Janger dance performed by the deaf-mute community. It incorporates specific hand gestures and movements synchronized with visual cues from the drummer, as the performers cannot hear the music.

What role does the local government play in supporting people with disabilities in Desa Bengkala?

The local government in Desa Bengkala supports people with disabilities by providing vocational training, facilitating the development of community-based businesses, and empowering residents with disabilities to participate fully in social and economic activities.

What challenges do individuals in Desa Bengkala face due to their disabilities?

Despite the lack of discrimination in the community, individuals with hearing and speech impairments may face external challenges, such as navigating a world that is not designed for their needs. However, the village’s inclusive environment, support networks, and local sign language help mitigate these difficulties.

How does the community of Desa Bengkala foster a sense of inclusion?

Desa Bengkala fosters a sense of inclusion by encouraging collaboration between deaf and hearing individuals. Everyone in the village, regardless of ability, participates in communal activities, from farming and weaving to traditional dances and local businesses, promoting unity and mutual respect.