Indonesia’s Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, said on Sunday (22/6/25,) that the Pesta Kesenian Bali or the Bali Arts Festival represents a real and tangible form of cultural advancement that has taken place for more than four decades, according to reporting from Antara News.
Minister Zon lauded the Bali Provincial Government for its consistency in holding the Bali Arts Festival, which was first held in 1979 and has since become an annual tradition.
Representing President Prabowo Subianto at the opening ceremony of the 47th Bali Arts Festival at the Werdhi Budaya Art Center in Bali, Zon explained the importance of preserving the universe as a shared living space, where humans, nature, and the divine are not separate entities but part of a unified whole, reflected in the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, where all must be kept in harmony, says Antara News.
Furthermore, in front of thousands of attendees, Minister Zon said that through events such as the Bali World Culture Celebration (BWCC), the Balinese people provide a platform for intercultural exchange by showcasing classical, traditional, and folk arts from various countries.
He expressed hope that other regions across Indonesia would initiate similar efforts and organize such events based on their respective cultural identities, says Antara News.
Lastly, the minister praised all artists, cultural practitioners, art communities, parade participants, organizers, local government officials, and all parties who played an active role in the success of this year’s Bali Arts Festival.
Meanwhile, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said this year’s Bali Arts Festival’s theme of “Jagat Kerthi: Lokahita Samudaya,” which means universal harmony, serves as a reflection of culture as a national strength.
“Culture is a gift and a noble heritage that is highly vital and strategic for the existence and progress of the Balinese people,” he said.
Source: Antara News
Stock image by Gijsvanbilsen from Pixabay