Traditional music cannot be separated from Balinese life because it is often intrinsic to ritual ceremonies here
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Bali Deputy Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati welcomed ASEAN and South Korean artists scheduled to perform at the "Asia Traditional Orchestra" (ATO) 2019 at the Ksirarnawa Building, Taman Budaya Denpasar, Tuesday night, (Nov 12).

"We thank you for choosing Bali in addition to Jakarta as the venue for ATO. Traditional music cannot be separated from Balinese life because it is often intrinsic to ritual ceremonies here," the deputy governor of Bali, who is usually called by his nickname Cok Ace, stated.

Cok Ace welcomed the ATO entourage at the Bali Governor's Office in Denpasar on Monday night (Nov 11).

He remarked that in spite of the swift development in times and technology, Balinese gamelan and other traditional musical instruments will never become outdated since the young Balinese continue to preserve them.

"Even now, Balinese gamelan and traditional music have economic value," Cok Ace pointed out.

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He stated that the Bali provincial government had also committed to always preserving Balinese arts, customs, and culture in order to remain steady and sustainable in accordance with the vision of "Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali" -- which means "Through the Pattern of Universe Planning for a New Era of Bali."

"The provincial government of Bali also gives full support to institutions that protect Balinese gamelan, including the Denpasar Indonesian Arts Institute, Vocational Schools in Batubulan, and many more," he remarked.

In the meantime, Director of Cultural Heritage and Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture Nadjamuddin Ramly stated that the Asia Traditional Orchestra (ATO) is a beautiful art performance collaboration comprising artists from 10 ASEAN countries along with South Korea.

Ramly is upbeat about the ATO event being later conducted annually in other ASEAN countries and also being developed and introduced to other countries outside the ASEAN region and South Korea.

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Translator: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019