Alongside the 35th Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral Graduation Ceremony of ISI Bali
Photo: The Governor of Bali, Dr. Ir. I Wayan Koster, M.M., officially opened the 5th of Bali Padma Bhuwana International Festival on Wednesday (August 27th) at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Ballroom, Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI).
The Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI) held the 5th Bali Padma Bhuwana International Festival, carrying the theme “Cancala Bhuwana Candika” (Glory Cosmic Godly). The festival was officially inaugurated by the Governor of Bali, Dr. Ir. I Wayan Koster, M.M., on Wednesday
(August 27th ) at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Ballroom, ISI Bali.
In conjunction with the International Festival, ISI Bali also presented the Bali-Bhuwana Nata Kerthi Nugraha Award 2025 to five distinguished figures for their outstanding contributions to the arts and culture. The awardees are:
- Pino Confessa, cultural expert;
- Janet DeNeefe, patron of the arts and founder of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival;
- Dr. Drs. Anak Agung Gede Rai Remawa, M.Sn, interior and architectural designer;
- Prof. Dr. Drs. I Ketut Muka, M.Si, ceramic craft artist; and
- Dr. I Ketut Suteja, SST., M.Sn, Balinese dance artist.
Photo: Recipients of the 2025 Bali-Bhuwana Nata Kerthi Nugraha Award, Wednesday (August 27th ) at the Kirtya Sabha Mahottama Ballroom, ISI Bali
In his opening remarks, Rector of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI BALI), Prof. Dr. I Wayan Adnyana, S.Sn., M.Sn.., emphasized that the festival represents ISI Bali’s tangible commitment to realizing its vision as an impactful campus.
“Through this festival, ISI Bali seeks to demonstrate that art, design, and culture are not merely academic outputs, but also sources of social and cultural transformation relevant to the challenges of our times,” said Prof. Adnyana.
Meanwhile, Governor of Bali, Dr. Ir. I Wayan Koster, M.M., expressed his deep appreciation for the festival’s organization. According to him, the 5th Bali Padma Bhuwana International Festival holds a strategic role in strengthening Bali’s cultural and artistic ecosystem while expanding international recognition and appreciation.
“The dissemination platform provided by the Bali Padma Bhuwana International Festival is highly strategic, relevant, and essential. Each year, its chosen theme aligns harmoniously with the cultural events organized by the Bali Provincial Government. Through this festival, ISI Bali reaffirms its position as a creative, innovative, and responsive higher education institution attuned to global developments in art and design appreciation,” the Governor asserted.
Governor Koster further noted that the festival’s theme, “Cancala Bhuwana Candika” (Glory Cosmic Godly), aligns closely with Bali’s developmental vision, “Nangun Sad Kerthi Loka Bali,” derived from the Holistic Planned Development Framework for the New Era of Bali.
“This theme resonates with our mission to strengthen and advance local customs, traditions, arts, culture, and wisdom—particularly in embodying the values of Segara Kerthi. The achievements showcased in this festival—whether in creative works, scholarship, or authentic artistic and design practices—are expected to be further presented in the province’s cultural platforms such as the Bali Language Month, Bali Arts Festival, and Bali Jani Arts Festival,” he added.
To mark the opening of the Bali Padma Bhuwana V, ISI Bali presented the grand performance “Bali-Bhuwana Bakti,” a magnificent choreographic work celebrating sacred literature and the noble spirit of Nuswantara civilization. The performance, titled “Cala Cipta Chandi Cipta Cala,” featured choreography by Tjokorda Istri Putra Padmini, M.Sn., Dr. I Ketut Suteja, and Ni Komang Sri Wahyuni, M.Sn., with gamelan compositions by Dr. I Ketut Garwa and Dr. Nyoman Kariasa.
This performance also served as the opening act of the International Chandi Summit, which will take place in Bali from September 2–5, 2025.
(ISIBALI/PR Office)
