Photo: Flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Widya Mahardika Field, ISI Bali, Monday, 17 August 2026.
The Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Widya Mahardika Field, ISI Bali, on Monday, 17 August 2026. Carrying the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia,” the ceremony was conducted solemnly and attended by the leadership of ISI Bali, faculty members, educational staff, and students.
Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, served as the ceremony’s keynote leader and delivered the mandate of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The address emphasized the strategic role of higher education institutions in advancing the ideals of independence and preparing Indonesia for the future.
Photo: Flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Widya Mahardika Field, ISI Bali, Monday, 17 August 2026.
Indonesia’s independence, achieved through the courage, sacrifice, unity, blood, and tears of its heroes, carries a responsibility for the present generation to honor that legacy through hard work and tangible contributions. Higher education institutions are expected not merely to function as centers of learning but also to serve as important forces in realizing an Indonesia that is sovereign, advanced, just, prosperous, and respected internationally.
The address highlighted the government’s continued efforts to strengthen various foundations of national development, including food and energy security, the expansion of educational and healthcare services, improvements in governance, as well as downstream industrial development and industrialization. Amid the challenges facing the nation, higher education institutions are encouraged to play an active role through talent development, research, innovation, technological advancement, and the generation of ideas capable of responding to national needs.
Higher education institutions, the address further emphasized, should not limit their role to producing graduates and awarding academic degrees. Universities must become spaces for cultivating highly capable and ethically grounded human resources who master scientific knowledge, demonstrate a strong sense of national responsibility, and possess the courage to contribute to Indonesia’s advancement. Research and innovation are also expected to move beyond reports and academic publications toward prototypes, patents, products, technologies, and solutions that generate tangible benefits for society.
In this context, higher education institutions also have an important role in strengthening national self-reliance in science, technology, and industry. Universities are expected to generate innovations and develop talent capable of enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness while creating opportunities for quality employment and the emergence of new industries.
The mandate of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology also underscored the importance of collaboration. Higher education institutions are encouraged to establish strong synergies with government institutions, industry, state-owned enterprises, local governments, research institutions, and communities. Differences in academic disciplines, backgrounds, and geographical regions should not become barriers but rather sources of strength in pursuing a common goal: Indonesia’s continued progress.
This significant responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the entire academic community. University leaders have the responsibility to position higher education institutions as driving forces for national development, while professors, lecturers, researchers, and educational staff play essential roles in upholding academic integrity, educating future generations, producing relevant research, and ensuring the effective delivery of higher education.
Students, as the nation’s future generation, also received particular attention. They are encouraged to be courageous in experimenting, conducting research, creating, and developing new ideas and innovations. The knowledge acquired in higher education should not be directed solely toward personal achievement but should also generate meaningful benefits for society, the nation, and the state.
For ISI Bali as an arts-based higher education institution, this spirit serves as an impetus to continuously position creativity, knowledge, innovation, and artistic production as integral components of its contribution to Indonesia’s development. Art and creativity have an important role in shaping character, strengthening cultural identity, and generating ideas and artistic works that create added value for society.
Following the ceremony, the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence at ISI Bali continued with the presentation of several awards recognizing the dedication and achievements of members of the university community.
The Satyalancana Karya Satya award was presented to lecturers and educational staff of ISI Bali in recognition of their dedication and service in carrying out their responsibilities as civil servants. The award represents institutional appreciation for their loyalty, integrity, and sustained commitment to supporting the implementation of higher education at ISI Bali.
In addition, the Sewaka Mahabakti Nugraha award was presented to lecturers and educational staff of ISI Bali who have entered retirement. The award serves as an expression of institutional respect and appreciation for their years of service and their contributions to the development and history of ISI Bali.
Recognition was also extended to students through the Mahasiswa Nata Kerthi Nugraha award, presented to outstanding students. This award acknowledges their achievements and contributions while encouraging the younger generation of ISI Bali to continue developing their potential, creativity, accomplishments, and artistic works that enhance the reputation of their alma mater.
(ISI Bali/Public Relations)
