The Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar held the International Community Service Program “Bali Citta Bhuwana” (PKMI-BCB) and the Indonesian Cultural Night 2024 event at the Indonesian School in Bangkok (SIB), located at 600, 602 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400. This community service initiative is a reflection of ISI Denpasar’s vision to become a center of excellence in arts and culture, rooted in local wisdom with a universal outlook, as well as its motto, “Global-Bali Arts and Creativity Centre Hub” (G-BACCH).
The Indonesian Cultural Night 2024, held at Kbank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre in Bangkok on Sunday (September 15), featured 165 artists from various regions in Indonesia. The Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Rachmat Budiman, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange as a bridge for friendship between Indonesia, Thailand, and the international community. “Our cultural heritage is a bridge for our nation. Through this event, we celebrate the richness of our traditions and the beauty of collaboration between Indonesia and Thailand,” said Ambassador Rachmat during the opening.
Around 1,000 attendees, including Thai officials, diplomats, tourists, and local students, enjoyed performances of traditional Indonesian dance and music, such as the Tari Bebarisan Sudamala performed by ISI Denpasar, Tari Ronggeng Panggung from Padjadjaran University, Tari Tor Tor from North Sumatra University, and Tari Prawira Wengker and Tari Lerok Lelono performed by Surabaya State University.
PKMI BCB Team Welcomed by the Indonesian Ambassador in Bangkok
Before the performance, during preparations for the Indonesian Cultural Night at the Siam Square One Theater in Bangkok, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman, accompanied by Education Attaché Cyti Daniela Aruan, received the PKMI BCB team on September 11. “This Indonesian cultural performance in Bangkok gives a positive image. We should not fall behind Thailand’s arts performances,” he expressed. Ambassador Rachmat also praised ISI Denpasar Rector Prof. Dr. I Wayan (Kun) Adnyana for sending an artistic mission that blends Balinese and Javanese arts. He described the Tari Bebarisan Sudamala as a symbolic portrayal of the balance and harmony in life through the gestures of the dance, representing the cultural fusion between Bali and Java, which dates back to the era of Queen Guna Priya Dharmapatni and Dharma Udayana.
New Creation Dance: Manawa-Bhakti-Prabawa (Dharma Mulia Sesama)
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of a new creation dance titled Manawa-Bhakti-Prabawa (Dharma Mulia Sesama), which tells the story of Sang Kaca, a half-god sent by the gods to learn the art of Amertasanjiwani from Begawan Sukra. After an unfortunate series of events, including his murder and reincarnation, Sang Kaca is taught the art of resurrection by Begawan Sukra, symbolizing the power of life and death and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. This dance marked the end of the Indonesian Cultural Night 2024, which was part of the Trade, Tourism, Investment, and Culture Forum (TTICF) 2024 aimed at strengthening Indonesia-Thailand relations through cultural performances, business forums, and art exhibitions.
Teaching Indonesian Students at the Indonesian School in Bangkok
The PKMI-BCB program, running from September 10-16, 2024, followed the Indonesian Ambassador’s invitation as part of the Embassy’s annual cultural night. ISI Denpasar, represented by the Research, Community Service, and Education Development Institute (LP2MPP), met with the Indonesian Embassy and the Indonesian Education and Culture Attaché in Bangkok on August 23, 2024, to discuss the participation of Indonesian students at the Indonesian School in Bangkok through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. This program aimed to teach subjects such as Tari Pendet, Kecak, photography, and drawing to students at the Indonesian School.
The PKMI BCB team was led by ISI Denpasar’s Vice Rector for General Affairs and Finance, Dr. Drs. I Ketut Muka, M.Si, with members including the Head of LP2MPP, Dr. Drs. I Wayan Suardana, M.Sn, along with faculty members and students from the Faculty of Performing Arts, Faculty of Visual Communication Design, and the Faculty of Arts and Culture.
