“The performance was extraordinary and uplifting because it was carried out by young people. This proves that our culture can be preserved, and it must receive support from all parties. Cultural progress is our shared responsibility,” he said during a working visit to Tabanan District, Bali, on Friday.
During his visit, which followed the CHANDI 2025 agenda (Culture, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy, and Innovation) in Denpasar, Fadli Zon emphasized that culture should not be seen as a burden or merely the past.
In line with the CHANDI 2025 theme, “Culture for the Future,” he noted that culture can become a driver of the economy and an important industry for national development.
He also highlighted the importance of sustaining the cultural ecosystem, which he said has been well established in Bali, especially in Tabanan District. He expressed gratitude to the Tabanan District Head and all stakeholders for preserving and advancing culture in the region.
“I always say that nowhere else on earth has cultural wealth and diversity greater than Indonesia. We deserve to be called a mega-diverse nation. Indonesia is a cultural superpower. This is what we must continue to explore, preserve, protect, develop, and utilize,” he stressed.
On the same occasion, Tabanan District Head Komang Gede Sanjaya affirmed that Tabanan District is not only rich in cultural potential but also serves as the rice barn of Bali.
As District Head, he reiterated the local government’s commitment to supporting cultural preservation and development.
“Through this forum, let us exchange ideas and inspire one another for the advancement of the arts in Tabanan. I sincerely hope this meeting will serve as a platform to discuss our cultural wealth and diversity, while also strengthening unity and cohesion among the community,” he said.
Sanjaya added that the enthusiasm from the event should spread across society and become a driving force for Tabanan’s progress under the spirit of a New Era for Tabanan.
He also explained the historical significance behind the construction of the I Ketut Marya Art Center, the venue of the cultural dialogue, which is deeply rooted in local cultural heritage.
The building and the spirit of the Tabanan people, he noted, represent Tabanan not only as Bali’s food barn but also as an agrarian region of resilient communities who played a role in Indonesia’s independence, and as a place rich in noble arts and culture.
“Proud to be from Tabanan,” he remarked. Komang Gede Sanjaya also expressed appreciation for Minister Fadli Zon’s choice of Tabanan as the venue for the event.
“On behalf of the Tabanan District Government and the people of Tabanan, I extend a warm welcome to the Minister and his delegation in the City of Singasana. We hope his presence will inspire our people to further safeguard their cultural roots,” he said.
The visit featured a multi-generational gamelan performance titled “Dynamics of Cultural Heritage Aura,” directed by Prof. I Gusti Nengah Nurata.
Performances included the grand “Jayaning Singasana AUM” dance, the Kebyar Duduk dance created by maestro I Ketut Maria, performed by I Putu Gede Raka Anggara Guna, and a poetry reading “Tabanan in Words and Feelings” by I Gusti Ayu Putu Mahindu Dewi and I Gusti Putu Bawa (Samar Gantang) at Jero Tengah, Banjar Tegal Belodan, Dauh Peken Village.
The Minister’s delegation later visited Puri Gede Singasana Tabanan to meet Tjokorda Anglurah Tabanan and the elders of the palace, before proceeding to the I Ketut Marya Art Center for the cultural dialogue and a visual arts exhibition.
The warm welcome included a baleganjur performance, underscoring the vibrant cultural spirit of Tabanan.
The event was also attended by senior ministry officials and cultural figures, including the Director General of Cultural and Tradition Protection, the Director of Belief in One Almighty God and Indigenous Communities, the Head of the Cultural Preservation Office Region XV, and the Director of Cultural Heritage.
Also present were the Chairman of the Indonesian Museum Association, Tabanan Deputy Regent Ida Tjokorda Anglurah Tabanan, local Forkopimda officials, members of the Tabanan District Council, assistants to the regional secretary, local government officials, and artists and cultural practitioners.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
