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Bali’s Bebean Kite Tradition Reveals Deep Cultural Symbolism, Indonesian Study Finds
A new study by Indah Fitriana Hapsari and Vania Aqmarani Sulaiman of Universitas Mercu Buana, Indonesia, highlights how the traditional Bebean kite of Bali serves not only as a recreational object but also as a visual expression of Balinese culture, spirituality, and community identity. Published in 2026 in the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the research examines the design elements, materials, colors, and symbolic meanings embedded in one of Bali’s most recognizable traditional kites.
The findings provide new insight into how cultural heritage is preserved through everyday artistic practices. At a time when many traditional crafts face pressure from modernization and globalization, the study demonstrates how the Bebean kite continues to function as a living cultural symbol that connects contemporary Balinese communities with ancestral beliefs and traditions.
Traditional Kites as Cultural Heritage
Kites have a long global history, originating in ancient China before spreading across Asia, Polynesia, Europe, and eventually the rest of the world. While many cultures developed their own kite traditions, Bali stands out for maintaining a vibrant kite-flying culture closely tied to religious beliefs and agricultural life.
The annual Bali Kite Festival attracts participants and visitors from around the world. Traditional Balinese kites are generally classified into three main types: the Pecukan (Tekuk) kite, the Janggan kite, and the Bebean kite.
Among these, the Bebean kite occupies a special place in Balinese culture. The word “be” means fish in the Balinese language, and the kite is designed to resemble a large fish swimming through the sky. Its distinctive shape, movement, colors, and sounds all carry cultural and spiritual significance.
According to the researchers, the Bebean kite reflects values that have been passed down through generations and remain deeply connected to Balinese Hindu traditions.
How the Research Was Conducted
The researchers employed a qualitative descriptive research approach. Instead of using surveys or experiments, they examined the physical structure and visual characteristics of the Bebean kite through observation, documentation, and analysis of cultural references.
The study focused on several key aspects:
- Structural design and shape
- Materials used in construction
- Visual elements such as colors and patterns
- Symbolic meanings associated with the kite
- Cultural and religious traditions linked to kite flying in Bali
The collected information was analyzed descriptively to identify how Balinese cultural values are expressed through the kite’s design.
Key Findings
The study found that nearly every component of the Bebean kite contains cultural meaning.
A Fish-Inspired Design
The Bebean kite is intentionally shaped like a fish, complete with a head, body, fins, and tail. When flying, it moves in a swaying motion known locally as ngelog, creating the visual impression of a fish swimming through water.
Researchers noted that this movement is one of the defining characteristics that distinguishes the Bebean kite from other traditional Balinese kites.
Symbolism of Water and Preservation
Within Balinese Hindu belief systems, the Bebean kite is associated with the element of water and with Lord Vishnu, the deity responsible for preservation and protection.
As a result, the kite is more than a decorative object. It represents harmony, balance, and continuity in life.
The Meaning of Tri Datu Colors
One of the most significant findings involves the use of the Tri Datu color scheme.
The researchers explain that three dominant colors appear repeatedly in traditional Bebean kites:
- Black symbolizes Lord Shiva
- White symbolizes Lord Vishnu
- Red symbolizes Lord Brahma
Together, these colors represent the balance of divine forces within Balinese Hindu philosophy.
The study identifies the Tri Datu color combination as one of the most visible expressions of Balinese cultural identity embedded within the kite’s design.
Sound as a Spiritual Element
The Bebean kite also produces sound during flight through a component called the guangan.
Constructed from bamboo and string, the guangan creates distinctive tones when exposed to wind. According to the researchers, these sounds are traditionally associated with respect for Rare Angon, a legendary figure often regarded as the protector or deity of kite flying in Balinese folklore.
Specialized Construction Materials
The study documents several materials commonly used in Bebean kite construction:
- Santong bamboo for the frame
- Nylon fishing line
- Nylon rope
- Lightweight parachute fabric
- Fiber rope
- Sewing thread
The researchers note that bamboo selection follows traditional guidelines, including consideration of age, strength, flexibility, and even auspicious timing for harvesting.
More Than Recreation
The research emphasizes that kite flying in Bali is deeply connected to agricultural traditions.
Historically, kite-flying activities increased after harvest seasons, when farmers had more leisure time. Over time, the practice evolved into a major cultural event involving entire communities.
Today, kite festivals serve multiple functions:
- Preserving traditional craftsmanship
- Strengthening social bonds
- Celebrating local identity
- Passing cultural knowledge to younger generations
- Promoting cultural tourism
The Bebean kite therefore functions simultaneously as an artistic creation, a spiritual symbol, and a community activity.
Cultural and Tourism Implications
The findings have broader implications for cultural preservation and tourism development in Indonesia.
Traditional cultural practices often face challenges from modernization and changing lifestyles. By documenting the symbolism and construction of the Bebean kite, the study contributes to efforts aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
The research also highlights the importance of Bali’s kite festivals as cultural attractions that showcase local traditions to domestic and international audiences.
For policymakers and cultural organizations, the study provides evidence that traditional recreational activities can serve as effective tools for heritage conservation while supporting tourism and community engagement.
Academic Perspective
According to researchers Indah Fitriana Hapsari and Vania Aqmarani Sulaiman of Universitas Mercu Buana, the Bebean kite represents far more than a flying object. Their analysis indicates that its design, colors, movement, and sound collectively express gratitude toward nature, respect for divine forces, and the importance of harmony in social life.
The researchers conclude that the Bebean kite embodies Balinese cultural values through the integration of symbolic colors, spiritual meanings, and traditional craftsmanship, making it an enduring representation of Balinese identity.
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