Photo: The Luwih Arja Luh dance-drama performance entitled “Ranu–Saraswati–Rasmi” at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, Saturday (4/4).
In interpreting Kalangan Widya Mahardika V (Academic Arts Week) under the theme Kirtya–Jnana–Kawya, which signifies “the exaltation of noble knowledge,” the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI Bali) presented the Luwih Arja Luh dance-drama performance entitled “Ranu–Saraswati–Rasmi” at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, on Saturday (4/4), coinciding with the sacred day of Saraswati (Saniscara Kliwon Wuku Watugunung). The performance marked one of the culminating highlights in the series of Kalangan Widya Mahardika events, which from the outset featured a diverse range of artistic and cultural activities within the ISI Bali campus.
The Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, stated that the performance carries a particular significance, as reflected in the title “Luwih Arja Luh,” which emphasizes the role of women in the performing arts. “This performance is especially remarkable as all performers are women, ranging from faculty members and administrative staff to students of ISI Bali. They are women who are not only resilient, but also captivating, graceful, and charismatic on stage, inspiring us all,” he remarked.
Photo: The Luwih Arja Luh dance-drama performance entitled “Ranu–Saraswati–Rasmi” at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, Saturday (4/4).
He also conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to all parties involved in the Kalangan Widya Mahardika V series, from its opening to the performance on that day. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the participation of all elements involved throughout the Kalangan Widya Mahardika series, from its inauguration to today’s performance. The spirit of togetherness and creativity demonstrated has become a vital strength for ISI Bali in upholding and honoring knowledge, arts, and culture,” he added.
As part of reinforcing the sacred dimension of the performance, the sasolahan Napak Pertiwi Palawatan Suci Pura Padma Nareswara ISI Bali was also presented. This performance symbolized reverence for spiritual values and local wisdom, while representing the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
Photo:Sasolahan Napak Pertiwi Palawatan Suci Pura Padma Nareswara ISI Bali at the Nretya Mandala Open Stage, ISI Bali, Saturday (4/4).
Prior to the dance-drama performance, ISI Bali held a series of ritual ceremonies in the morning, including Mecaru, Mlaspas, Pasupati, and Mapadagingan. These ceremonies were conducted as part of the purification and consecration process for several newly constructed and renovated buildings within the ISI Bali campus. (ISIBALI/Public Relations)
Photo:Mecaru, Mlaspas, Pasupati, and Mapadagingan ceremonies, Saturday (April 4) at the ISI Bali campus.
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) conducted a series of sacred ceremonies—Mecaru, Mlaspas, Pasupati, and Mapadagingan—on Saturday (April 4), coinciding with the holy day of Saraswati Day (Saniscara Kliwon Wuku Watugunung) within the ISI Bali campus. These rituals were performed as part of the purification and harmonization process for several newly constructed and recently renovated buildings on campus.
The buildings included in the ceremonies were Gedung Jineng, Bencingah Agung, Candi Nretya Mandala, Tugu Nama, Gedung Natya Mandala, and Gedung Gede Manik. Faculty members, students, and administrative staff of ISI Bali collectively participated in the solemn proceedings.
Photo:Mecaru, Mlaspas, Pasupati, and Mapadagingan ceremonies, Saturday (April 4) at the ISI Bali campus.
The Mecaru ritual was conducted as an effort to maintain harmony and balance between the sekala (visible) and niskala (spiritual) realms within the campus environment. Subsequently, the Mlaspas and Pasupati ceremonies were carried out to purify the buildings and invoke spiritual empowerment, ensuring their readiness for academic, artistic, and service-related activities at ISI Bali. Meanwhile, Mapadagingan symbolized the process of enlivening and activating the buildings for functional use.
Photo:Ayahan performance of Baris Gede dance by ISI Bali students during the ceremonies, Saturday (April 4) at the ISI Bali campus.
The ceremonial series was further enriched by various artistic offerings (ayahan) presented by the ISI Bali academic community. Students performed a Gamelan Ritus concert, Rejang Dewa dance, Baris Gede dance, and Topeng Wali as integral components of the sacred ritual offerings.
In addition, the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of ISI Bali presented the Rejang Nata Hita dance. This performance enhanced the solemnity of the while reflecting the collective spirit and unity of all campus members in supporting the successful implementation of the ceremonies. (ISIBALI/Public Relations)
Photo:Rejang Nata Hita dance performance by DWP ISI Bali during the ceremonies, Saturday (April 4) at the ISI Bali campus.
Photo:Mareresik (communal cleaning) and tree-planting activities at the ISI Bali campus, Friday (April 3).
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) organized a communal service activity (mareresik) alongside a tree-planting program as part of the Bali-Dwipantara Karma (Nemu Gelang Nusantara) series within Bali Sangga Dwipantara VI, themed Kerthi–Tuwuh–Krama, held on Friday (April 3) at the ISI Bali campus.
The mareresik activity involved hundreds of students, faculty members, and administrative staff of ISI Bali. They collaboratively cleaned the campus environment, including temple areas, courtyards, and various supporting facilities, as a preparatory effort for the upcoming ceremonial events of Mecaru, Mlaspas, and Pasupati, as well as Mapadagingan.
In addition to the communal work, the program also featured tree planting across the campus. This initiative reflects ISI Bali’s commitment to environmental sustainability while reinforcing the spirit of the Kerthi–Tuwuh–Krama theme, which emphasizes the importance of harmony between humans, nature, and collective life.
Photo:Mareresik and tree-planting activities at the ISI Bali campus, Friday (April 3).
A strong sense of togetherness was evident throughout the activity. Students, faculty, and staff worked collectively to clean and organize campus areas designated for the ceremonies. This initiative also serves as a practical manifestation of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and a shared sense of belonging toward the campus environment.
The Mecaru, Mlaspas, and Pasupati ceremonies, along with Mapadagingan, are scheduled to take place on Saturday (April 4), coinciding with the celebration of Saraswati Day at Pura Padma Nareswari. The preparatory activities through mareresik and tree planting are expected to support the smooth execution of the ceremonies while strengthening the spirit of unity among the ISI Bali academic community.
Bali-Dwipantara Karma (Nemu Gelang Nusantara) constitutes one of the key programs within Bali Sangga Dwipantara VI, encompassing not only artistic and cultural activities but also fostering environmental awareness and reinforcing social harmony within the campus community. (ISIBALI/Public Relations)
Photo: Outstanding students of ISI BALI, I Kadek Ongky Dwi Dhavinci (far right) and Haggai Osfred Benagamma Dao (left), during the briefing and document submission session for the regional-level Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres), Tuesday (March 31) at the ISI BALI Lounge.
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI) has officially designated its outstanding students at the institute level for undergraduate and diploma programs for the year 2026. The selection was conducted based on the results of the Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres) held on Friday (March 27) at the ISI BALI campus.
The results were formalized in Official Reports No. Manual.1056/IT5.5/DT.01.02/2026 for the undergraduate program and No. Manual.1057/IT5.5/DT.01.01/2026 for the diploma program, both dated March 30, 2026.
The Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation of ISI BALI, Prof. Dr. I Komang Sudirga, S.Sn., M.Hum., stated that the selection process was conducted in accordance with the 2026 Outstanding Student Selection Guidelines issued by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.
“The selected outstanding students represent the best candidates, evaluated based on academic achievements, outstanding accomplishments, creative ideas, as well as English proficiency and personal character,” he explained.
In the undergraduate category, I Kadek Ongky Dwi Dhavinci from the Visual Communication Design Study Program was awarded first place. Second place was achieved by Nyoman Atheny Pramasastra Dewi from the Theatre Study Program, while third place was awarded to Ketut Yogi Wiriatama from the Karawitan Study Program.
Meanwhile, the Honorable Mention I was awarded to Desak Putu Agnis Dewa Yanti Putri from the Fine Arts Study Program. Honorable Mention II was achieved by Ni Putu Harimayaka Putri Lila from the Music Study Program, and Honorable Mention III was awarded to Neisha Zintya Fireska from the Crafts Study Program.
In the diploma category, Haggai Osfred Benagamma Dao from the Film and Television Production Study Program was selected as the first-place outstanding student. Second place was awarded to Angelina Agatha Mardiancia from the Fashion Design Study Program, while third place was achieved by Caleb Nikao Hutabarat from the Animation Study Program.
The first-place outstanding students at both undergraduate and diploma levels will represent ISI BALI in the regional selection stage organized by LLDIKTI Region VIII before advancing to the national level. (ISIBALI/Public Relations)
Photo: ISI BALI presents ayahan at Pura Agung Besakih, Thursday (April 2).
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI BALI) offered ayahan at Pura Agung Besakih as part of the Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh ceremony, which coincided with Purnama Kadasa on Thursday (April 2).
The ayahan featured a range of Balinese sacred performing arts, presented solemnly by students, lecturers, and administrative staff of ISI BALI. The performances included Rejang Dewa, Baris Gede, Topeng, Wayang Gedog, and Tabuh Gong Gede.
This activity constitutes one of the implementations of the Bali Citta Pradesa program, particularly within the framework of the Actualization of Learning in Sacred Spaces. Through this program, ISI BALI promotes a learning process that extends beyond the classroom, engaging directly with the spiritual and cultural life of the Balinese community.
Photo: ISI BALI presents ayahan at Pura Agung Besakih, Thursday (April 2).
Within this context, the ayahan at Pura Agung Besakih serves as a platform for the ISI BALI academic community to understand, internalize, and practice the values of Balinese sacred arts in accordance with their functions, ethics, and cultural contexts. Thus, students are not only equipped with technical artistic skills but also gain insight into the religious and philosophical dimensions inherent in each performance.
The participation of ISI BALI’s academic community in the ceremony also reflects the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the domain of community service, while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to preserving and sustaining Bali’s noble cultural heritage. (ISIBALI/Public Relations)
Photo: Workshop on the Creation of Ider-Ider and Saput Saka for the Jineng Building at Wantilan Loka Sabha Mandala, ISI Bali, Monday (March 30).
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) organized a workshop titled “Kriya–Yadnya–Kawiya” focusing on the creation of ider-ider and saput saka for the Jineng Building on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Wantilan Loka Sabha Mandala, ISI Bali. The activity was attended by students from the Visual Communication Design, Crafts, and Fine Arts study programs.
The workshop was officially opened by the Chairman of the ISI Bali Senate, I Ketut Muka. On this occasion, ISI Bali invited a craftsman from Klungkung, Anak Agung Gede Anom Martawan, as the keynote resource person.
The Head of the Organizing Committee, Nyoman Laba, explained that the workshop aimed to introduce students to the process of creating ider-ider and saput saka using the prada bakar technique. Through this activity, students not only learned the artistic process but also gained an understanding of the tools and materials required, proper working techniques, and the stages involved in producing the artworks.
“Students are expected to learn directly from the resource person about the techniques for creating ider-ider and saput saka using the prada bakar method, from the use of tools to the execution process,” stated Dr. Nyoman Laba.
Photo: Workshop on the Creation of Ider-Ider and Saput Saka for the Jineng Building at Wantilan Loka Sabha Mandala, ISI Bali, Monday (March 30).
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the process of creating ider-ider and saput saka, beginning with sketching motifs on velvet fabric. The motifs were generally inspired by traditional Balinese ornaments, such as patra, pepatran, as well as elements of flora and fauna.
After completing the sketches, participants learned the prada bakar technique by heating the sketch lines using a soldering tool. The parts of the velvet fabric exposed to heat formed grooves corresponding to the drawn design. These sections were then colored with gold prada, resulting in motifs that appeared prominent and lustrous. This technique requires precision and hand stability, as even minor errors may damage the fabric or the intricate details of the design. Through this process, students learned to produce ornaments that are both refined and of high aesthetic value.
In his remarks, Prof. I Ketut Muka expressed his hope that the workshop would provide new experiences for students while serving as a practice-based learning medium to enrich their knowledge and skills.
He also stated that the artworks produced during the workshop would be utilized as saput saka and ider-ider for the Jineng Building, a new facility within the ISI Bali , which will undergo the melaspas (purification ceremony) on April 4, 2026.
“Through this workshop, students not only learn to create artworks but also directly contribute to the campus’s artistic needs. The works produced today will later be used in the Jineng Building, which will be consecrated on April 4,” he remarked.
This activity represents a synergy between academic learning and the preservation of Balinese traditional arts. By involving an experienced craftsman, students were given the opportunity to directly study traditional techniques that embody both aesthetic value and functional significance within Balinese ceremonies and architecture. (ISI Bali/Public Relations)
