Traditions restricting inter-caste marriage derive from religious teachings. But today, interpretations of those teachings tends to be more flexible than they used to be. In Bali, Hindu teachings concerning marriage have become incorporated into local traditions that advocate single-caste marriages. And in high caste families in particular, those traditions continue to be strictly upheld, and even in a manner that could be interpreted as at odds with the original Hindu teachings, read by many as much more flexible.

"Hindu teachings concerning inter-caste marriage should not be taken literally," argues Prof. Ngurah Bagoes. "They should be read in a way that would allow Balinese greater flexibility in this regard. It's all just a matter of interpretation." It is Prof. Ngurah Bagoes belief that not religious teaching sets out to be unreasonably restrictive. In his view, there is nothing in the essential teachings of the Hindu religion, or any other religion for that fact, that says women should be discriminated against.

NO INEQUALITY

Asa Sriani and Ida Ayu Bintang are different kinds of Balinese women. As a member of the lower class and lower caste, Asa Sriani is free of the regulations that discriminate against Balinese women of high caste status. In comparison to Asa Sriani, Ida Ayu Bintang enjoys much less equality with men of her caste. In spite of this, Ida Ayu Bintang herself does not feel that she is oppressed. In her view, there is no difference in the way men and women are treated in Bali.

"If what you mean is that men and women have different attitudes to things, I think that's only natural. That's the way it is here, it's our tradition. Anyway, even if receive a better deal, it's not that much better. The proof is that I've never felt affected by it. I really donÕt have any problem with it."

But there is a diversity of views on the issue of Balinese women. In doing the research for this piece alone, every woman I spoke to had a different take on the matter. Oka Rusmini, a journalist and fiction writer whose short stories often depict the lives of Balinese women, believes that the future holds a long and hard fight for local women in their struggle to attain equality. Considering the obstacles places in their path by religion and tradition, attaining equality is a complex and arduous task.

Putu Swasta, one of Bali's most frequently-quoted (male) intellectuals, says: "The struggle of Balinese women is quite simple really. The important thing is that there is a strong will on the part of those women who feel they are being oppressed. If need be, this might include establishing a non-government organisation dedicated to struggling for women's rights and with a clear work program that goes beyond discussing concepts and holding seminars," says Swasta. He sees the struggle of Balinese women as essentially a class struggle, insofar as Balinese women can be considered a class of their own. And further, he believes that the task of local women in contemporary Bali is somewhat easier than it once was. "Nowadays, thanks to the tourism industry, capitalism is alive and well in Bali. A lot of Balinese women now hold important positions in the tourism industry. This is evidence of the power of capitalism to bring about cultural change. Balinese women need to recognise the opportunities available to them to struggle for equality," says Swasta in his typically hurried manner.

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