GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Eight Bali starlings, also known locally as curik Bali, were released into several locations in Pejeng Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency on Friday (22/5), as part of an ongoing conservation effort to protect one of the world’s rarest bird species.
The release program was organized by the Curik Bali Conservation Community in Pejeng in collaboration with Friends of Nature, People and Forest (FNPF), involving hundreds of participants from local communities, traditional village groups, conservation activists, and institutions.
FNPF Project Manager I Made Sugiarta said four pairs of Bali starlings were released after completing a series of conservation and health assessment stages. The birds were placed in four separate release points: Pura Dalem Tengaling, Puri Agung Somanegara Pejeng, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Kebun Mai Organic.
“Initially there were five pairs prepared, but after the final evaluation, only four pairs were considered ready for release,” Sugiarta explained.
According to him, the release process required months of preparation, including habitat surveys, quarantine, medical examinations, rehabilitation, habituation, and final behavioral assessments. The Pejeng conservation program itself has been running since November 2025.
Pejeng was selected because of strong support from local traditional communities and customary regulations known as awig-awig, which are expected to help protect the endangered birds despite the area’s relatively dense population and residential activity.
“We believe the Bali starling can thrive well under traditional community protection,” he said.
Sugiarta added that long-term conservation success would depend on collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, local administrations, customary communities, and residents.
“This process cannot happen instantly. Community support is the most important factor,” he added.
Head of Natural Resources Conservation Section II of the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Bali), Raden Danang Wijayanto, welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that the Bali starling population in Pejeng could continue to grow while also creating positive economic opportunities for local residents.
He also confirmed that BKSDA Bali plans to hold discussions with the Bali Governor regarding a proposal to establish an official Bali Starling Day.
Meanwhile, Curik Bali Conservation Community pioneer Kadek Kamardiyana described the release program as both a wildlife preservation effort and an educational initiative for younger generations.
The Bali starling is an endemic species found only in Bali and remains under protected conservation status due to its critically low wild population.
Kamardiyana said conservation activities like this could also strengthen Pejeng’s future potential for nature-based and educational tourism if carried out consistently.
“This is not only about protecting a rare bird, but also about teaching future generations the importance of maintaining ecological balance,” he said.