Ter-teran of Desa Adat Jasri: The Fire War on Pengerupukan Night in Karangasem

The day before Nyepi, while most of Bali is busy parading ogoh-ogoh effigies, Desa Adat Jasri in Karangasem District chooses another way to drive out the bhuta kala: throwing fire. The tradition is called Ter-teran — often written Terteran and widely known as the "Fire War". The word ter-teran itself means throwing at one another, and what gets thrown are blazing torches of dried coconut leaves.

What Ter-teran Is

Ter-teran is not a staged tourist attraction. It is part of the Usaba Aci Muu-Muu ceremony of Desa Pakraman Jasri, falling on tilem kesanga, the day before Nyepi. Residents split into two groups — Jasri Kaler to the north and Jasri Kelod to the south, divided by the Jasri community hall — and then pelt each other with torches.

• The weapon is called bobok or prakpak: a bundle of danyuh (dried coconut leaves) about 80 cm long with a short stick inserted in the middle so throws fly further and harder.
• Around 50 to 60 men take part, young and old, many bare-chested in white cloth with sugar-palm leaves tied around their heads.
• The "battlefield" is the stretch of main road in front of the Jasri community hall; the Amlapura–Denpasar route is closed for nearly three hours.
• It runs in several rounds, each ending when the torches burn out, for a total of roughly one hour.

The Sequence of Pengerupukan Night

Earlier in the day the nebekin sampi ritual takes place in front of Pura Puseh as part of the mecaru offering. Towards late afternoon, a group known as Wong Bedolot carries the caru offering to Jasri Beach, about 500 metres south of the village, to be released into the sea. When they return in the dark, villagers ambush and pelt them with torches — the Wong Bedolot may not fight back, only parry, until they break through towards Pura Bale Agung. House lights are switched off, so the only light is the burning torches.

Rules, Safety and Spectator Etiquette

• Stray torches do regularly hit spectators. Stand well behind the pecalang security line and never step into the arena.
• Wear cotton or denim rather than synthetics that melt easily; use closed shoes and avoid bringing small children to the front row.
• Participants' minor burns are traditionally treated with tirta (holy water); still bring your own burn ointment as a precaution.
• Wear traditional dress, or at least a kamen and sash — this is a sacred ceremony, not a stage show.
• Shoot without flash and do not block the ritual path or the offering bearers.

Practical Info & Visiting

• Location: Desa Adat Jasri, Karangasem District, Karangasem Regency — See on Google Maps
• When: Pengerupukan night (tilem kesanga), the day before Nyepi, usually in March. Nyepi for Saka New Year 1949 is set for Monday, 8 March 2027, which puts Pengerupukan on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Important: Ter-teran is held only every two years and sources disagree on the cycle (even versus odd years), so you must confirm with Desa Adat Jasri before planning a trip around it.
• Timing: the sequence begins in the afternoon, with the torch-throwing peak from around after sunset into the night.
• How to arrange a visit: contact the prajuru (customary village officials) of Desa Adat Jasri or the village tourism managers via desawisatajasri.com, which lists their official WhatsApp contact; you can also check with the Karangasem Regency Tourism Office.
• Access: about 5–7 km from Amlapura (roughly 15 minutes) and around 80 km or 2.5–3 hours from Denpasar. Arrive early, as the road will be closed.
• Cost: no entrance ticket; bring a voluntary dana punia donation and parking money, around Rp5,000–10,000.
• Social media: search on Instagram for footage from previous editions.

Because Nyepi shuts down the whole island the next day, book your room well in advance — staying in Amlapura or Candidasa puts you barely fifteen minutes from Jasri, and an AccessiaPass hotel voucher can ease the cost of that longer Nyepi stay.