Governor Koster Invites Balinese Young People To Preserve Culture

JAKARTA - Bali Governor Wayan Koster invites young people on the Island of the Gods to preserve culture, one of which is through the creation of Ogoh-Ogoh works which are given an assessment and prize starting from Rp. 25 million-Rp. 50 million in the context of Nyepi Holy Day.

In Denpasar, Friday, the Governor of Bali conveyed his invitation to preserve culture because of the arts of culture, customs, traditions, and local wisdom, which made Bali can stand tall and exist in the eyes of the world.

"So brothers and sisters (youngs) all, Bali tourism was born not because of tourism design, design to build from tourism, but because of the interest of the world community in the uniqueness of Balinese culture, which has always been used as upstream by the Balinese people," said Governor Koster, quoted by Antara.

According to him, what is called culture also includes art products such as Ogoh-Ogoh's work, so that if it is not treated then Bali will no longer have any uniqueness and advantages, then it will result in losing its identity wealth.

"Every year the celebration of Nyepi Holy Day, I follow the development of Ogoh-Ogoh, this is very extraordinary creation and innovation. Even more proud, the activists and shamans are dominated by young people, with the perseverance of youth, for me is the transition of generation to maintain Balinese culture which takes place naturally," said Governor Koster.

He emphasized that the work of young people must be respected, especially when those who are occupied are not only the art of Ogoh-Ogoh, but also other works of art and culture.

"Adik-dik boleh cek di luar Bali apakah anak mudanya yang mau bergerak secara alam, berkerong royong penuh, di mana ada begitu? Hanya ada di Bali, jadi bersyukur dengan senang generasi muda Bali memiliki peran," ujarnya.

To appreciate the efforts of young people to preserve culture through Ogoh-Ogoh, since 2019 the Bali Provincial Government has held a competition until finally the quality of the existing works is more advanced and good.

This year, the Bali Provincial Government again provides a forum for arts and it has been determined that the winners will be three groups of youths or banjar in each district/city.

One by one the winners were given prizes of money and certificates ranging from Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Denpasar City, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klungkung, and finally Tabanan.