Photo: Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan Kun Adnyana, as a speaker at the international symposium Sea-ing The Land: Nyegara Gunung, held from 21–28 September 2026 at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University.
The Southeast Asia Program (SEAP) at Cornell University, United States, invited Rector of Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI), Prof. Dr. Wayan Kun Adnyana, as a speaker at the international symposium Sea-ing The Land: Nyegara Gunung, held from 21–28 September 2026. The symposium took place at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University.
Prof. Kun Adnyana delivered a presentation entitled Nyegara Gunung: Flowing Lines and The Metaphor of The Vessel, exploring artistic line-based iconography of water and waves through diverse stylistic approaches in Balinese painting. The symposium was moderated by Southeast Asian art historian Prof. Dr. Kaja Maria McGowan. In addition to presenting his paper, Prof. Kun Adnyana’s artwork, Victory of Sailing, measuring 140 × 160 cm and created using Chinese ink and acrylic on canvas, was selected for the permanent collection of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, joining works by distinguished artists and visual art masters from various countries.
Photo: Theatre Study Program Coordinator Dr. I Gusti Sudarta presenting a Plastic Wayang performance at the international symposium Sea-ing The Land: Nyegara Gunung, held from 21–28 September 2026 at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University.
In addition to Prof. Kun Adnyana, ISI BALI lecturer and Theatre Study Program Coordinator Dr. I Gusti Sudarta was also invited to present a Wayang Plastik performance as part of the symposium program. Dr. Sudarta collaborated with music professor Prof. Christopher J. Miller and composer Peni Candra Rini. The performance received an enthusiastic response from members of the Cornell University community and alumni in Ithaca, New York.
The symposium invitation also provided an opportunity for Rector Prof. Kun Adnyana to discuss potential cooperation between ISI BALI and SEAP at Cornell University. Prof. Kun Adnyana and SEAP Director Prof. Eric Tagliacozzo agreed on several prospective collaborative programs, including opportunities for future SEAP students to participate in ISI BALI’s international programs, as well as the development of visiting professorship opportunities between the two institutions. (ISI BALI/Public Relations)
Photo: The Sixth Bali-Bhuwana-Waskita International Seminar, entitled “Parama-Jnana-Patra: True Knowledge in Context,” at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, ISI BALI, Tuesday (22 September).
Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI) once again hosted the Sixth Bali-Bhuwana-Waskita International Seminar, entitled “Parama-Jnana-Patra: True Knowledge in Context,” at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, ISI BALI, on Tuesday (22 September). The seminar served as an academic and creative forum bringing together academics, researchers, and practitioners from Indonesia and abroad to discuss knowledge and creativity in the fields of art, design, literature, and culture from diverse contemporary perspectives.
The event was opened by Vice Rector for Planning, General Affairs, and Finance of ISI BALI, Dr. Made Jodog. Prof. Jaygo Bloom, MFA, from LASALLE College of the Arts, participated as the keynote speaker.
Chair of the Bali-Bhuwana-Waskita VI organizing committee, Dr. Arya Pageh Wibawa, stated that the international seminar featured a total of 45 speakers from Indonesia and various countries. The participants comprised one keynote speaker, six invited speakers, and 38 speakers selected through the Call for Papers process.
A number of academics and practitioners also shared their perspectives at the forum, including Dr. Edward Walter Herbst, an ethnomusicologist; Ts. Dr. Ellyana Mohd Muslim Tan from Universiti Teknologi MARA; Mrs. Misako Masuzumi, CTO of BESTIE Co., Ltd.; and Dr. Hamam Supriyadi, M.A., from Thammasat University. Representing ISI BALI, the forum featured Dr. I Nyoman Laba, S.Sn., M.Sn., and Dr. I Kadek Widnyana, M.Si., as speakers.
Photo: The Sixth Bali-Bhuwana-Waskita International Seminar, entitled “Parama-Jnana-Patra: True Knowledge in Context,” at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, ISI BALI, Tuesday (22 September).
Through the theme “Parama-Jnana-Patra: True Knowledge in Context,” the seminar encouraged participants to view knowledge not merely as a collection of information, but as something that must be understood and applied appropriately within its context. This perspective is particularly significant for the development of research in art, design, literature, and cultural studies, which continue to encounter evolving conditions and contemporary challenges.
The forum also served as a platform for knowledge exchange among participants from diverse academic backgrounds and fields of professional practice. The ideas presented by the speakers were expected to foster dialogue, broaden perspectives, and encourage the development of research and creative practices that remain relevant to contemporary developments.
In his remarks, Vice Rector for Planning, General Affairs, and Finance of ISI BALI, Dr. Made Jodog, expressed his appreciation to all speakers and participants for their contributions to the seminar. He expressed the hope that the academic forum would strengthen knowledge exchange and create broader opportunities for collaboration in the fields of art, design, literature, and culture.
The Sixth Bali-Bhuwana-Waskita International Seminar further reaffirmed ISI BALI’s commitment to providing an academic platform that brings together local and global perspectives. Through forums of this kind, knowledge in the fields of art and culture is expected to continue evolving through dialogue, research, and creative practice grounded in appropriate contexts.
Photo:Focus Group Discussion (FGD) “Towards 100 Years of Balinese Tourism #2,” Wednesday (16 September), at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, ISI BALI.
To further develop the preparation of the scholarly study 100 Years of Balinese Cultural Tourism, Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI) and the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of Bali Province once again held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Towards 100 Years of Balinese Tourism #2” on Wednesday (16 September) at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, ISI BALI. The event formed part of the ongoing effort to refine the scholarly study, which is scheduled for publication in 2027 to coincide with the centenary of the development of tourism in Bali.
The FGD carried the theme “Yukti-Jnana-Yatra,” interpreted as a voyage toward deeper knowledge, and served as a continuation of the first FGD held on 13 July 2026. The forum brought together academics, members of the Bali Provincial Development Expert Group for Culture and Tourism, tourism practitioners, cultural figures, and researchers to enrich the study through historical, academic, and practical perspectives.
The event was officially opened by Ni Luh Putu Seni Artini, S.E., Ak., M.Si., Secretary to the Head of BRIDA Bali Province. The forum featured three speakers representing diverse backgrounds in Bali’s tourism sector: AA Gde Rai, founder of the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA); Ida Bagus Sidharta Putra, Chairperson of the Sanur Development Foundation; and I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, Chairperson of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Badung.
During the forum, the Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan ‘Kun’ Adnyana, presented research findings on the development of Balinese cultural tourism, mapped across five historical periods. These periods comprise the Formation of Tourism in Bali (1927–1945), the First Revival of Tourism in Bali (1945–1965), the Second Revival (1965–1996), the Third Revival (1997–2017), and the Fourth Revival (2018–present).
Photo:Focus Group Discussion (FGD) “Towards 100 Years of Balinese Tourism #2,” Wednesday (16 September), at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, ISI BALI.
This historical mapping serves as one of the foundations for the preparation of the book, which is being developed by a 20-member research and writing team, including five professors. Through a series of FGDs, the team continues to refine the substance of the book to provide a more comprehensive account of the development of tourism in Bali while offering perspectives on its future trajectory.
Several strategic aspects were subsequently discussed by the speakers. AA Gde Rai presented a topic entitled “Museums as Institutions for the Preservation of Art and Culture and as Tourism Destinations,” highlighting the role of museums in cultural preservation as well as in the development of tourism attractions.
Meanwhile, Ida Bagus Sidharta Putra discussed “Sanur Area-Based Tourism Governance,” drawing on experiences in managing the Sanur area through community involvement. I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya presented “Destination Management and Balinese Hospitality Practices,” addressing the dynamics of destination management and contemporary challenges facing Bali’s tourism sector, including overtourism.
Photo:Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to the speakers of the FGD “Towards 100 Years of Balinese Tourism #2,” Wednesday (16 September), at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, ISI BALI.
The discussion also developed an understanding that tourism in Bali does not rely solely on culture as a tourism product, but encompasses a diverse range of activities and attractions that have evolved throughout the history of tourism development on the island.
Cipto Aji Gunawan, a member of the Bali Provincial Development Expert Group for Tourism, cited the development of marine tourism, particularly surfing and diving, as an important factor in shaping the character of tourism in Bali. According to him, these activities were initially introduced by international visitors and subsequently developed into important elements of Bali’s tourism identity. This perspective is considered important in understanding the development of tourism from a broader perspective, including the interaction between local communities and various external influences.
Additional input was provided by Ir. Made Gunaja, M.Si., a representative of the BRIDA Bali Province Quality Control Team. He emphasized the importance of documenting policy developments and government support throughout the history of tourism in Bali. According to him, the policies and contributions of Bali’s leaders, including governors serving during different periods, should be documented as part of an objective foundation for understanding the role of government in the development of tourism in Bali.
The various perspectives emerging from the FGD will subsequently serve as additional material for the writing team in refining the 100 Years of Balinese Tourism study. By integrating historical records, research findings, practitioners’ experiences, and policy perspectives, the book is expected to provide a comprehensive documentation of the century-long development of tourism in Bali.
Photo:ISI BALI students during the announcement of the PEKSIMINAS XVIII winners at the University of Jember, Thursday (10 September).
Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI) once again achieved notable accomplishments at the 18th National Student Arts Week (PEKSIMINAS XVIII) 2026, held at the University of Jember, East Java, from 7–10 September 2026. Among the competition categories in which ISI BALI students participated as members of the Bali Provincial Contingent, four categories contributed achievements for Bali at the national level.
The highest achievement was secured by Sri Agung Wulandewi Putri Laksana, a student of the Music Study Program, who won First Place in the Women’s Keroncong Singing Competition. This accomplishment represents one of the outstanding achievements of the Bali Provincial Contingent and demonstrates the capacity of ISI BALI students to compete at the national level in a prestigious student arts competition.
Another achievement was earned by Insan Kamis, a student of the Photography Study Program at ISI BALI, who won Second Place in the Documentary Photojournalism Competition. Meanwhile, Ni Luh Made Bindi Hita from the Animation Study Program received Second Honorable Mention in the Strip Comic Competition.
In the Dance Competition, ISI BALI also strengthened the Bali Provincial Contingent through a work entitled “Ngetug Bumi,” performed by seven students from the Dance Study Program: I Putu Gede Pradipta Utama, Ni Kadek Dhya Sumitha Apsari, Made Githa Sanjiwani, I Made Wahyu Danurtha, Ida Ayu Adi Tri Wiranti, Ni Nengah Diah Tantri, and G. Ngr Bagus Andika Prasetya. The work received First Honorable Mention.
Previously, ISI BALI students representing the Bali Provincial Contingent had undergone a selection and intensive training process after achieving outstanding results at PEKSIMIDA Bali. In addition to the four competition categories above, ISI BALI also sent Zahid Zahendra from the Performing Arts Education Study Program to compete in the Men’s Dangdut Singing Competition, as well as I Kadek Ariandi Triana Putra Widi Nugraha from the Visual Communication Design Study Program in the Men’s Poetry Reading Competition.
Photo:Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation of ISI BALI and Chairperson of the Bali Provincial Executive Board of the Indonesian Student Arts Development Board (BPSMI), Prof. Dr. Komang Sudirga, S.Sn., M.Hum., receiving the PEKSIMINAS XVIII Top 7 Award at the University of Jember, Thursday (10 September).
The participation of ISI BALI students in PEKSIMINAS XVIII forms part of the university’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to develop their competencies, creativity, and experience in national-level competitions. The achievements attained also reflect the results of a rigorous preparation and mentoring process undertaken collaboratively with faculty advisors prior to the national competition.
Overall, the Bali Provincial Contingent secured nine achievements at PEKSIMINAS XVIII, comprising First Place in Women’s Keroncong Singing, Second Place in Painting, Second Place in Documentary Photojournalism, First Honorable Mention in Poster Design, Second Honorable Mention in Strip Comics, First Honorable Mention in Women’s Poetry Reading, Second Honorable Mention in Monologue, Third Honorable Mention in Vocal Group, and First Honorable Mention in Dance.
The Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation of ISI BALI and Chairperson of the Bali Provincial Executive Board of the Indonesian Student Arts Development Board (BPSMI), Prof. Dr. Komang Sudirga, S.Sn., M.Hum., expressed his appreciation and pride in the efforts of all students representing the Bali Provincial Contingent at PEKSIMINAS XVIII.
“Congratulations to all the students who achieved outstanding results in various competition categories. We appreciate and take great pride in your dedication and commitment. For those who were not yet successful, do not be discouraged, as the competition was highly competitive. Use this experience as motivation to improve and further develop yourselves in the future. Equally important, let us continue to maintain solidarity, because nurturing friendship and fraternity is just as important as achieving victory,” said Prof. Komang.
These achievements placed the Bali Provincial Contingent among the top-performing contingents, ranking seventh among all provincial contingents in Indonesia. This result represents a significant accomplishment for Bali while demonstrating the contribution of ISI BALI students in bringing distinction to the province through achievements in the arts at the national level.
Photo:Inauguration of the Internationally Certified Creative Internship Program JANA-WIDYA-JNANA at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Citta Kelangen Building, ISI BALI, Tuesday (1/9).
The Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI) officially launched the JANA-WIDYA-JNANA Internationally Certified Creative Internship Program (Noble Global Talent) through an inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Citta Kelangen Building, ISI BALI. The ceremony was attended by Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan ‘Kun’ Adnyana, together with the entire leadership of ISI BALI; Chairman of the Hasami Ceramic Industry Cooperative Association, Mr. Ota Kazuhiko; Deputy Director of the Ceramic Research Center of Nagasaki, Mr. Hideki Yoshida; representative of BESTie CO., Ltd., Ms. Misako Masuzumi; staff member of the Hasami Ceramic Industry Cooperative Association, Mr. Hirotoshi Yamada; as well as members of the ISI BALI Advisory Board, AA Gde Rai and Warih Wisatsana.
A total of 25 seventh-semester students from the Study Programs of Craft Arts, Fine Arts, and Product Design were selected to participate in the program following a selection process conducted by ISI BALI in collaboration with Japanese ceramic industry partners. The selected participants are I Gusti Ayu Wijayanti P., Ida Made Gaodya Rendraswara, I Dewa Bagus Wahyu, I Wayan Aria Santosa, Rayna Najla K., I Wayan Aria Sisya N., Martha, I Made Sofyan, Zefanya Awan B., Ni Wayan Arianti Dewi, Arwen Jennifer P., Ni Luh Dewi Kusuma W., I Komang Aryawan, Cokorda Gede Raka Wisma W., Ni Luh Putu Karina Praba D., I Putu Ranu Weda W., I Kadek Agus Adi W., I Kadek Sudana, Ni Kadek Karini A., Adi Purnama Yoga, I Wayan Adi Wiryatama, I Kadek Fajar N., Alfridus Moensaku, I Kadek Calvin Y., and I Gst. Ngurah Putu Diva.
Through this program, participants will undertake intensive training at ISI BALI as a preparatory stage before entering the professional industrial environment. The training includes Japanese language instruction, Hasami ceramic techniques, ceramic production technology, 3D product design, and other relevant competencies. The training is expected not only to enhance students’ technical skills but also to strengthen their communication abilities, cultural adaptability, discipline, and readiness to work within professional and internationally oriented industrial environments.
Upon completion of the training program and evaluation process, eight outstanding participants will be selected to undertake an international internship in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Hasami is recognized as one of Japan’s important ceramic production centers. Accordingly, internship experience in the region is expected to broaden students’ understanding of production processes, design innovation, workplace culture, and developments within the Japanese ceramic industry.
Meanwhile, the remaining 17 participants will undertake internships with reputable domestic craft-art industry partners in Indonesia. Through this scheme, all participating students will have the opportunity to apply their academic competencies in professional contexts, whether through industrial experience in Japan or Indonesia.
Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan ‘Kun’ Adnyana, emphasized the importance of providing learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through internship programs directly connected with industry, students are encouraged to understand professional work standards, develop their creative capacities, and establish professional networks that can support their career development after completing their studies.
Chairman of the Hasami Ceramic Industry Cooperative Association, Mr. Ota Kazuhiko, expressed his congratulations to the 25 students selected to participate in the JANA-WIDYA-JNANA Internationally Certified Creative Internship Program. He explained that participants would receive various forms of training and preparation prior to entering the industrial environment, including Japanese language instruction, 3D CAD, as well as knowledge and skills in design product development. According to him, language proficiency is an important component of students’ preparation before undertaking internship experiences, particularly for those who will have the opportunity to participate in the program in Japan. “I hope the students will learn Japanese well,” he said.
Through a comprehensive process encompassing training, selection, and internship implementation, the program is expected to cultivate talented individuals in the fields of art and design who possess not only strong creative competencies but also the capacity to adapt to industry requirements, a global perspective, and the ability to bring Indonesian artistic and design competencies into the international professional arena.
Photo:ISI BALI at The Pasar Indonesia in the Netherlands
The achievements of ISI BALI students continue to receive appreciation not only at home but also on international stages. In 2026, ISI BALI’s international artistic engagements included an invitation from the organizers of The Pasar Indonesia, participation in the Misato Bali Festival, and an official invitation to perform at a diplomatic reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Pasar Indonesia was held at De Broodfabriek: Expo and Event Center, Rijswijk, the Netherlands, from 13 to 18 May 2026. The ISI BALI delegation consisted of Komang Prayoga Putra, a Master’s student in Arts; Dewa Ayu Made Adinda Ratna Devi, an undergraduate Dance student; and Ni Komang Trisna Devi, an Applied Bachelor’s student in Fashion Design.
The three selected students presented classical and contemporary Balinese artistic works, as well as a mask-making arts workshop. The event was officially opened by Laurentius Amrih Jinankung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Jeldert de Boer, Director of De Broodfabriek. The event attracted thousands of international visitors, including members of the Indonesian diaspora.
At the Misato Bali Festival 2026, which receives substantial financial support from the City of Misato, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, ISI BALI will present classical Balinese arts and collaborative works developed with local artists.
The delegation will be led by Ni Wayan Suartini, M.Sn., Coordinator of the Vocational Education in Cosmetology Study Program, accompanied by two undergraduate Dance students, Ni Luh Komang Sekar Kumala Dewi and Ni Putu Nilam Cahyani. The Misato Bali Festival will be held from 8 to 12 October 2026 under the theme of Cultural Exchange and Workshop.
In addition to participating in these two international events, ISI BALI has also received an official invitation from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in a series of diplomatic reception events from 6 to 9 October 2026.
Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan Adnyana, expressed his appreciation to ISI BALI’s international strategic partners for their invitations and trust in providing opportunities for the university’s academic community to present Indonesian classical works, contemporary innovations, and diverse forms of artistic collaboration.
“This appreciation is aligned with ISI BALI’s efforts to establish itself as the Global-Bali Arts Creativity Center Hub, generating broad and universal impact.”
Through these national recognitions, international collaborations, and global artistic engagements, ISI BALI continues to strengthen its position as an institution of higher arts education that connects knowledge, creativity, cultural heritage, innovation, and international collaboration.
