Photo:Bali–Global Axis of Arts and Design (B-GAAD)
An eagerly anticipated event within the Asia-Pacific arts and design innovation ecosystem is the Bali–Global Axis of Arts and Design (B-GAAD). Following two successful editions that received strong appreciation from higher education institutions specializing in arts and design across the Asia-Pacific region, ISI BALI will host B-GAAD III with optimism and a spirit of cross-cultural solidarity.
Under the theme “Roh-Rong-Reh: Soul–Space–Sincerity,” or “Jiwa–Jagat–Junjung,” B-GAAD III will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, networking, and strategic communication among higher education institutions specializing in arts and design throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The event will take place from 27 to 30 October 2026 at the Meraya Citta Campus of ISI BALI, Neka Art Museum, Komaneka Art Gallery, and several cultural venues across Bali.
The 2025 edition, B-GAAD II, involved 11 higher education institutions from various countries, including Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Japan, the United States, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Korea.
The event featured several flagship programs, including the Bali–Global Arts and Design Symposium (B-GADS) with 26 international speakers; the Bali–Global Art Map Exhibition (B-GAME), involving 60 influential visual artists; and the Bali–Global Innovative Design Map Exhibition (B-GIDME), featuring 108 designers from Indonesia and other countries.
For its third edition, B-GAAD will expand its collaborative scope through eight flagship programs: B-GAAD’s Leader Summit; Bali–Global Arts and Design Symposium (B-GADS); Bali–Global Performing Arts Map (B-GPAM); Bali–Global Art Map Exhibition (B-GAME); Bali–Global Innovative Design Map Exhibition (B-GIDME); Bali–Global Encounter Figure (B-GEF); Bali–Global Authentic Trip (B-GAT); and Bali–Global Expo and Job Fair (B-GEJF).
The Chair of the B-GAAD III Organizing Committee, Dr. Kadek Dwiyani, stated that several international universities and institutions had confirmed their participation, including Dongduck Women’s University and Sungkyunkwan University from the Republic of Korea; Brigham Young University from the United States; University of Canterbury from New Zealand; the Graduate Institute of Musicology, National Taiwan University from Taiwan; LASALLE College of the Arts from Singapore; as well as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) from Malaysia.
Photo:Bali-Bhuwana Nata Kerthi Nugraha International Award
In recognition of outstanding dedication, achievement, and reputation, the Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI) annually presents national and international awards to distinguished figures who have demonstrated significant contributions to the advancement of arts and culture.
In 2026, under the dynamic spirit symbolized by the “Year of the Fire Horse,” ISI BALI conferred the Bali-Dwipantara Nata Kerthi Nugraha VI National Award and the Bali-Bhuwana Nata Kerthi Nugraha VI International Award.
The national awards were presented as part of the 40th Graduation Ceremony for Bachelor’s, Applied Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs for the Even Semester, held on Thursday, 27 August 2026. Previously, the international awards were presented as part of the 23rd Dies Natalis celebrations on Friday, 27 February 2026.
The Bali-Dwipantara Nata Kerthi Nugraha National Award was presented this year to five distinguished figures recognized for their dedication, appreciation, and commitment to advancing Balinese arts and culture. The recipients were Jero Gede Duhuran Batur, a prominent figure and patron of Balinese arts and culture; ABG Satria Naradha, a national media figure and advocate of arts and culture; Luh Made Asmariani Budhi, an entrepreneur and art enthusiast; I Nyoman Sudiana, S.Skar., M.Si., a prominent figure in the development of Balinese karawitan; and Wahyu Indira, S.Sn., M.Sn., a lecturer and visual communication design practitioner recognized as a driving force in the field of design.
Previously, during the 23rd Dies Natalis, held in conjunction with the opening of the 6th Bali Padma Bhuwana International Festival on 27 February 2026, ISI BALI presented the Bali-Bhuwana Nata Kerthi Nugraha International Award to five distinguished figures in the arts and culture who were recognized for their substantial contributions to preserving, developing, and promoting Balinese arts and culture on the global stage.
The five recipients were Dr. Mochammad Fadjroel Rachman, S.E., M.H., writer and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Kazakhstan, concurrently accredited to Tajikistan; Jeon Dongsu, artist and Chairman of the Committee of Artists for World Peace, Republic of Korea; Mohd Asri Bin Abdul Ghafar, performing arts patron from Malaysia; Prof. Dr. Ni Made Arshiniwati, SST., M.Si., Indonesian academic and dance artist; and Drs. I Made Bendi Yudha, M.Sn., Indonesian academic and visual artist.
Both prestigious ISI BALI awards are regulated under Rector Regulation of ISI Denpasar No. 2 of 2022, as amended, most recently through Rector Regulation of ISI Denpasar No. 1 of 2024, concerning the Third Amendment to Rector Regulation of ISI Denpasar No. 2 of 2022 on Awards of the Institut Seni Indonesia Denpasar.
Photo: ISI Bali’s New Student Inauguration Ceremony at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) officially inaugurated 1,121 new students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year in a ceremonial event entitled “Carma–Jnana–Cita (The Charisma of Noble Aspirations)”, held at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The inauguration was symbolically marked by the presentation of the university blazer (jas almamater) to representatives of students from 19 undergraduate and applied undergraduate study programs by the Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana.
In his welcoming address, Rector Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana extended his congratulations and warm welcome to all incoming students. He emphasized that entering higher education represents a significant milestone in life, as students begin a more mature stage characterized by greater personal and social responsibilities.
He explained that ISI Bali serves as a space for nurturing talent and developing students’ competencies, enabling them to grow into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. Therefore, students are encouraged not only to pursue academic excellence but also to cultivate strong character, discipline, and responsibility throughout their educational journey.
“ISI Bali is a place where talents are nurtured and skills are cultivated toward maturity. Becoming part of ISI Bali is part of a lifelong journey. As we grow more mature, our responsibility to society also becomes greater,” he stated.
According to Prof. Adnyana, the decision to pursue higher education at ISI Bali constitutes a meaningful stage in each student’s personal journey. He encouraged the new students to regard this opportunity as a platform for creativity, innovation, and healthy competition in advancing the fields of arts, design, and digital innovation.
“Choosing ISI Bali is a path entrusted by the universe. Let us strive together to advance the arts, design, and digital innovation. Our meeting at ISI Bali is the result of our shared positive karma,” he remarked.
Photo: ISI Bali’s New Student Inauguration Ceremony at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
The 2026/2027 Academic Year also marks an important milestone for ISI Bali with the admission of students into two newly established study programs for the first time. These programs are the English Language and Culture Study Program, enrolling 28 students, and the Vocational Education in Cosmetology Study Program, enrolling eight students.
The establishment of these new academic programs reflects ISI Bali’s continued commitment to expanding its educational landscape beyond the traditional arts, while responding to the evolving demands of interdisciplinary scholarship and the increasingly diverse creative industries.
ISI Bali also recorded an increase in new student enrollment compared with the previous academic year. In 2025, the university admitted 1,043 new students, while in 2026 the number increased to 1,121 students, representing an increase of 78 students, or approximately 7.5 percent.
This growth demonstrates the increasing public interest in the educational opportunities offered by ISI Bali. The diversity of the incoming student body further enriches the university’s academic environment and strengthens its creative ecosystem in the fields of arts, culture, design, and innovation.
Photo: ISI Bali’s New Student Inauguration Ceremony at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
The inauguration ceremony formed part of ISI Bali’s Orientation Program for New Students (Pengenalan Kehidupan Kampus bagi Mahasiswa Baru/PKKMB), conducted from 11–12 August 2026. The welcoming activities will continue with Student Day, scheduled for 13 August 2026.
Throughout the orientation program, new students are introduced to the university environment, academic regulations, campus facilities, and the range of institutional support services available at ISI Bali. They also participate in a series of educational sessions delivered by distinguished speakers covering topics such as student ethics, civic responsibility, ISI Bali’s integrated information systems, and other subjects related to academic life and personal development.
The orientation program marks the beginning of the academic journey for the university’s 1,121 newly admitted students. Guided by the spirit of Carma–Jnana–Cita, they are expected to develop not only academic and professional competencies but also integrity, perseverance, social responsibility, and noble aspirations that will enable them to make meaningful contributions to society through their artistic and creative endeavors.
Photo: Dissemination of Research, Artistic Creation, and Art-Design Dissemination (P2DSD) 2026, Commemorating the Centennial of Rarud Batur, held at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Danu Batur, Batur Traditional Village, Kintamani, Bangli, Monday (3 August).
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing research-based artistic practices through the implementation of the 2026 Research, Artistic Creation, and Art-Design Dissemination (P2DSD) Program. Marking the centennial commemoration of Rarud Batur, ISI Bali presented three research-derived artistic works: the contemporary dance fragment Ranu Saraswati Rena, Tari Tengklung Kebah, and the musical composition Cipta Gamelan Saraswati. These performances were staged at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Danu Batur, Batur Traditional Village, Kintamani, Bangli, on Monday (3 August).
These three artistic productions represent both the dissemination of research outcomes and a tribute to the historical legacy, spirituality, and indigenous knowledge of the Batur community that have been preserved across generations. The performances formed part of the Centennial Commemoration of Rarud Batur, a historic occasion marking one hundred years since the relocation of the Batur Traditional Village community from Batur Let to Batur Karangan Anyar following the devastating eruption of Mount Batur in August 1926.
Photo: Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, delivering his remarks during the 2026 P2DSD dissemination event commemorating the Centennial of Rarud Batur at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Danu Batur.
In his address, Rector Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana described the Batur region as a center of knowledge that continuously flows like the waters of Lake Batur. He emphasized that this knowledge is not only embedded within the traditions of the local community but also serves as a vital source of inspiration for scientific inquiry, artistic research, and creative production at ISI Bali.
“ISI Bali honors the abundance of knowledge that flows endlessly like the waters of Lake Batur. This knowledge continues to spread and resonate across regions, inspiring the academic and artistic endeavors of our institution,” he stated.
According to Prof. Adnyana, through the 2026 P2DSD Program, ISI Bali conducted four research projects involving approximately 175 participants, including faculty members, educational staff, and students. These projects were led by Prof. Dr. Wayan Suardana, Dr. Made Kartawan, Wayan Diana Putra, M.Sn., and AA Ayu Mayun Artati, M.Sn.
Photo: The 2026 Research, Artistic Creation, and Art-Design Dissemination (P2DSD) Program, commemorating the Centennial of Rarud Batur, held at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Danu Batur, Batur Traditional Village, Kintamani, Bangli, on Monday, 3 August 2026.
He further emphasized that all artistic works presented constitute an interpretation of the emergence of a new civilization in Batur while remaining firmly connected to its historical origins in Batur Let, whose cultural foundations have existed for thousands of years. According to him, ISI Bali maintains both sekala (tangible) and niskala (intangible/spiritual) relationships with Batur, which continue to be nurtured through education, research, artistic creation, and community engagement.
Prof. Adnyana also explained that ISI Bali venerates the sacred effigy (sesuhunan) Ratu Ayu Mas Membah, a ceremonial mask created by the late Balinese master artist Cok Alit Artawan from wood originating from Pura Dalem Serongga, one of the sacred temples associated with Batur. The sacred effigy has been internalized by the university’s academic community as a symbol of inspiration for creative expression and continuous exploration of ancestral knowledge.
Photo: Dissemination of Research, Artistic Creation, and Art-Design Dissemination (P2DSD) 2026 at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Danu Batur.
Representing the Batur customary authority, Jro Penyarikan Duuran Batur expressed appreciation to ISI Bali for its active participation in commemorating the Centennial of Rarud Batur through research-based artistic productions. He noted that the relocation of the Batur Traditional Village following the 1926 eruption of Mount Batur was not merely a physical migration but also a profound historical event that tested the resilience of the community’s cultural identity, spirituality, and social solidarity.
He further emphasized that the centennial commemoration should not merely serve as a ceremonial remembrance of the past but should instead become a collective movement dedicated to preserving noble cultural values, strengthening cultural identity, and fostering a sustainable, harmonious, and resilient future for the Batur community.
One of the featured performances was the contemporary dance fragment Ranu Saraswati Rena, which narrates the relocation of the Batur Let community to Batur Karangan Anyar after the 1926 eruption of Mount Batur. Through the integration of dance, music, and dramatic performance, the work portrays the community’s determination to preserve sacred religious manuscripts, Raja Purana, pratima (sacred heirlooms), and ceremonial objects as enduring symbols of cultural continuity and spirituality. The centennial of Rarud Batur is interpreted as a heritage of knowledge and devotion to Hyang Dewi Danu, who serves as the principal spiritual inspiration for the work.
The dance was composed by Dr. Made Kartawan and Dr. I Nyoman Kariasa, with choral direction by Nyoman Nik Suasti, S.Sn., and choreography by AA Ayu Mayun Artati, M.Sn., I Gede Oka Surya Negara, S.ST., M.Sn., and Gede Radiana Putra, M.Sn.
ISI Bali also disseminated Tari Tengklung Kebah, a dance inspired by the movements of traditional Balinese martial arts (tengklung or pencak silat). The choreography illustrates the spirit of Balinese youth cultivating agility, strength, and resilience through dynamic martial movements characterized by firm stances, agile defensive techniques, and energetic footwork. The choreography was created by I Gede Oka Surya Negara, S.ST., M.Sn., with musical composition by I Wayan Diana Putra, S.Sn., M.Sn.
Photo: Dissemination of Research, Artistic Creation, and Art-Design Dissemination (P2DSD) 2026.
The event also featured the musical composition Cipta Gamelan Saraswati, developed from scholarly research on Tabuh Pat Parianom, a traditional musical heritage of the Batur Traditional Village. The composition draws upon the symbolism of Dewi Saraswati as the embodiment of knowledge and Betari Danu as the source of prosperity, expressing the idea that environmental conservation knowledge constitutes a fundamental pillar in the development of civilization.
Through the transformation of the musical formulation of Tabuh Pat Parianom into a contemporary musical grammar, Cipta Gamelan Saraswati demonstrates how local knowledge embedded within the ritual life of the Batur community continues to evolve while acquiring new academic dimensions through research and artistic creation at ISI Bali. The composition was created by I Wayan Diana Putra, S.Sn., M.Sn., Dr. I Nyoman Kariasa, S.Sn., M.Sn., and I Made Dwi Andika Putra, S.Sn., M.Sn., with choral arrangement by Ni Komang Sekar Marheni, S.S.P., M.Si.
Through these three artistic works, ISI Bali reaffirmed that research and artistic creation should not remain solely as academic outputs but should be disseminated to the broader community as instruments for education, cultural preservation, and the strengthening of collective memory concerning local history and indigenous knowledge. The Centennial of Rarud Batur thus became a collaborative platform connecting an arts higher education institution with the customary community in safeguarding the continuity of Bali’s cultural heritage through scholarly, artistic, and spiritual approaches.
(ISI Bali/Public Relations)
Photo: The 2026 Research, Artistic Creation, and Art-Design Dissemination (P2DSD) program, Commemorating the Centennial of Rarud Batur, held at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Danu Batur, Batur Traditional Village, Kintamani, Bangli, on Monday, 3 August 2026.
Recognition for Enhancing the Efficiency and Accountability of Financial Transactions
Photo: The Rector of the Indonesia Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI), Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, receives the First-Rank Award for the Most Active Cash Management System (CMS) User Work Unit for the First Semester of 2026 at Hall A, State Finance Building (GKN) I, Denpasar, on Wednesday (22 July).
The Indonesia Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI) was awarded First Rank as the Most Active Cash Management System (CMS) User Work Unit for the First Semester of 2026 by the Denpasar State Treasury Service Office (KPPN Denpasar). The award was presented by the Head of KPPN Denpasar, Aris Saputro, to the Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, during the Public Consultation Forum held at Hall A of the State Finance Building (GKN) I, Denpasar, on Wednesday (22 July).
The award recognizes ISI BALI’s commitment to supporting modern, transparent, and accountable public financial management through the effective utilization of digital technology in government banking transactions.
ISI BALI was recognized for its active and optimal use of the Cash Management System (CMS) in supporting institutional financial management. Through this system, the university has consistently utilized a wide range of real-time online government banking services, including account balance inquiries, inter-account fund transfers, state revenue payments, utility payments, and other financial transaction facilities. The intensive implementation of CMS has significantly improved the efficiency, timeliness, and accountability of the institution’s financial management processes while contributing to the ongoing digital transformation of government treasury services toward greater transparency and modernization.
Photo: The Rector of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana (second from the right), receives the First-Rank Award for the Most Active CMS User Work Unit for the First Semester of 2026 at Hall A, State Finance Building (GKN) I, Denpasar, on Wednesday (22 July).
The forum was officially opened by Supendi, Head of the Bali Provincial Office of the Directorate General of Treasury (DJPb). In his remarks, he emphasized that the Public Consultation Forum serves as a platform for gathering feedback from stakeholders to enhance the quality of public services, in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) No. 16 of 2017.
On this occasion, the Rector of ISI BALI stated that this achievement reflects the collective efforts of all financial management personnel within the university. He noted that the optimization of CMS utilization not only enhances the efficiency of financial administration but also strengthens institutional financial governance in accordance with the principles of good governance.
The Cash Management System (CMS) is an integrated banking application and information system that provides a variety of real-time online transaction services, including account balance information, inter-account transfers, state revenue payments, utility payments, and other transaction facilities that support the implementation of financial management within government work units.
During the forum, the Head of KPPN Denpasar, Aris Saputro, together with the Head of the Budget Implementation Development Division (PPA I) of the Bali Provincial Office of the Directorate General of Treasury, presented an evaluation of budget implementation and introduced the roles, functions, and service standards of KPPN to all forum participants.
Through this recognition, ISI BALI reaffirms its commitment to continuously strengthening digital-based financial governance while supporting the transformation of government financial services toward greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Photo:Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on One Hundred Years of Balinese Cultural Tourism, Monday (13 July), at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, Third Floor, ISI Bali.
The Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI Bali), in collaboration with the Bali Provincial Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled One Hundred Years of Balinese Cultural Tourism on Monday (13 July) at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, Third Floor, ISI Bali. The event formed part of a collaborative research initiative between ISI Bali and BRIDA aimed at developing a comprehensive study reflecting on the century-long evolution of Balinese cultural tourism.
The FGD featured three distinguished speakers who examined the historical development of tourism in Bali from diverse perspectives. They included Prof. Dr. Ir. Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, M.Si., Deputy Governor of Bali (2018–2023) and Chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI); Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya, a prominent Balinese tourism practitioner; and Sugi Lanus, a cultural observer and expert on Balinese lontar manuscripts.
The discussion was officially opened by the Head of BRIDA Bali Province, Dr. Ketut Wica, S.Sos., M.H., and attended by the Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan Kun Adnyana, alongside academics, tourism practitioners, cultural figures, and researchers who contributed historical and scholarly perspectives on the evolution of tourism in Bali.
Photo:Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on One Hundred Years of Balinese Cultural Tourism, Monday (13 July), at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, Third Floor, ISI Bali.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ketut Wica emphasized that the research seeks to establish a scientific foundation for future tourism policy in Bali. He stressed that Balinese culture should not be reduced to a mere economic commodity at the expense of its sacred and spiritual values.
“This study is intended to ensure that Balinese culture is not commercialized to the extent that it loses its sacredness and spirituality within society. Future government policies must safeguard local communities while preserving the cultural values of Bali.”
He further explained that tourism in Bali has evolved organically from the rhythms of community life rooted in taksu (spiritual charisma), artistic expression, and cultural traditions. Through the collaboration between ISI Bali and BRIDA, the research seeks to trace the historical trajectory of Balinese tourism by examining the interactions among artists, royal households (puri), researchers, and local communities that collectively laid the foundation for Bali’s tourism development.
As Bali approaches the centennial of its tourism history, he noted that this milestone provides an important opportunity to evaluate whether tourism development continues to uphold the authenticity of Balinese culture and to assess the resilience of cultural values amid globalization and contemporary societal change.
“The Bali Provincial Government, through BRIDA, aims to produce research that is academically rigorous while remaining socially and historically grounded. Meanwhile, Bali’s tourism stakeholders, including ASITA Bali, have initiated the Road to 100 Years of Bali Tourism campaign through the Bali Tourism Run 2026 event in Jatiluwih,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan Kun Adnyana, presented preliminary research findings indicating that the development of Balinese cultural tourism can be categorized into several significant phases: the pioneering period, the formative period, the first revival, the second revival, the third revival, and the fourth revival.
According to him, Balinese cultural tourism did not emerge instantaneously but developed organically through the strength of local communities and the cultural industries that had flourished since the early twentieth century.
“From a historical perspective, Balinese cultural tourism evolved organically through community-based cultural industries. The interactions and collaborations among local communities, artists, researchers, and international visitors fostered an artistic and cultural ecosystem that ultimately stimulated tourism and gained widespread international recognition by the late 1920s.”
Prof. Dr. Ir. Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, M.Si., former Deputy Governor of Bali (2018–2023) and Chairman of PHRI Bali, delivered a presentation entitled The Emergence of the Vision Toward 100 Years of Bali Tourism, discussing the origins of Bali’s tourism concept, which has long been anchored in the island’s cultural identity as its primary tourism asset.
Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya presented a paper entitled Sanur and Tourism: A Historical Reflection, highlighting the role of Sanur as one of the earliest centers in the development of Bali’s modern tourism industry.
Meanwhile, cultural observer and lontar scholar Sugi Lanus delivered a presentation entitled The Dawn of Balinese Tourism: Reconsidering the Physical and Cultural Foundations of Balinese Tourism Through the Lens of Rabindranath Tagore (1927). His presentation examined how the visit of prominent global figures such as Rabindranath Tagore contributed to strengthening Bali’s international reputation as a center of culture, thereby attracting growing global interest.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. I Komang Sudirga, M.Hum., Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation at ISI Bali. Through this forum, speakers, researchers, and participants explored the historical dynamics, contemporary challenges, and future directions of Balinese cultural tourism in anticipation of the commemoration of One Hundred Years of Balinese Cultural Tourism.
Photo:Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on One Hundred Years of Balinese Cultural Tourism, Monday (13 July), at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Auditorium, Citta Kelangen Building, Third Floor, ISI Bali.
The discussion was further enriched by insights from Prof. Ir. Made Supartha Utama, a member of the Research Quality Assurance Team, who encouraged participants to reconsider the role of Balinese culture in tourism development.
According to him, the greatest challenge today is not merely promoting Balinese culture as a tourism attraction but ensuring that its intrinsic values serve as the foundation values underpinning governance and development. He argued that Balinese cultural values should constitute the basis for tourism governance, legal systems, and social institutions in Bali, thereby ensuring that tourism extends beyond superficial cultural displays or ceremonial performances.
“What we need to reflect upon is the extent to which Balinese cultural values have become the foundation values of our tourism governance, legal system, and social system. Our attention should not be limited to outward cultural expressions or ceremonies, such as the Ngaben cremation ritual, without understanding the philosophical principles that constitute their underlying spirit.”
Through this collaborative research initiative, ISI Bali and BRIDA Bali Province aspire to produce evidence-based academic recommendations that will inform future tourism development policies. These recommendations are expected to ensure that tourism development remains firmly grounded in Balinese cultural values, preserves the sacredness of local traditions, and further strengthens Bali’s position as a globally recognized and sustainable cultural destination.
