balitribune.co.id | Mangupura - The name Jong in Jong Festival 2026 is more than just a festival's identity. Behind it lies the historical trace of Kapal Village, Mengwi District, Badung, closely related to the existence of Pura Kahyangan Jagat Purusada (a major Balinese Hindu temple).

The Chairman of the Jong Festival 2026 Committee and also the Bendesa Adat (traditional village head) of Kapal, I Ketut Sudarsana, explained that the name “Jong” is taken from the Purana (ancient scripture) of Pura Kahyangan Jagat Purusada. Based on historical records, the area around 1221 AD was known as Desa Jong Karam (Jong Karam Village) or Paluwanegara.

Jong Karam has a meaning related to shipwreck. This name became part of the historical journey of the Kapal region before it subsequently developed and its name changed.

In its development, the area is said to have changed into Kapal Village after the arrival of a group from the Kalingga Kingdom of Java. This historical trace and story remain embedded in the collective memory of the Kapal Traditional Village community to this day.

One effort to revive this historical narrative is realized through the Jong Festival 2026, held at Pratu Made Linggih Field, Kapal Sub-District, Mengwi, on Friday (September 25, 2026).

The inaugural festival, which runs from September 25-27, 2026, was opened by Badung Bupati (regent) I Wayan Adi Arnawa by striking a Gentora (traditional Balinese gong). The Badung Regency Government also handed over stimulus funds of Rp30 million (approximately AUD 3,060) to the committee.

For the people of Kapal, this festival is not only a space for entertainment and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) empowerment, but also a momentum to reintroduce the village's identity and history to the younger generation.

I Ketut Sudarsana hopes that Jong Fest can become a space for yowana (youth) to explore local potential while also learning independence. Meanwhile, Bupati (regent) Adi Arnawa encouraged the evaluation of this inaugural event so that it can be developed into an annual agenda with increasingly better quality.

Thus, Jong Festival not only speaks of current activities but also brings back stories of the past as part of the identity of Kapal Village, which continues to be passed down to the next generation.