It is used to indicate time of meetings, ceremonies, when someone die and to inform people during a strain time resulted by conflict or criminal.
Organizations in Bali are various, based on tradition, religion, profession or hobby. The type of the sound must therefore different and typical for each organization, so each member of the organization will understand to whom the bell is rang. For the need of traditional organizations the kulkul is made from selected wood such as jack-fruit tree or orange tree.
In all events normally the sound of the kulkul is made as "duang tulud" meaning two rounds. One round of sound starting slow, then quicker and quicker, then slow again. When one of the village members died, the biggest kulkul of the banjar is knocked in three rounds. Since dead is the obligation of all members of the organization within a village to participate in the activity of burial and ritual. This kulkul, called Bale Kulkul, is placed at the temple.