Ped Aya Parade Opened, Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Praises Bali As An Example Of Cultural Preservation

DENPASAR Thousands of pairs of eyes witnessed the first steps of the 47th Bali Arts Festival (PKB) at the Bazra Sandhi Monument, Denpasar, Saturday, June 21, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon released the Peded Aya Parade, a cultural parade that officially opened the biggest annual art party for the Island of the Gods.

Wearing Balinese traditional clothes, Fadli Zon hit the kulkul as a sign of the start of the parade. In front of him, the gamelans Gong Gede and Semar Peguling accompanied a performance titled Muchra Citta Siwa Nataraja by the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) Bali. A cosmic dance that symbolizes the harmony of the universe.

"With gratitude to God Almighty, I declare that the 47th Bali Arts Festival is officially opened," said Fadli, in the midst of cheers from the community.

Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa, Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster, Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, and Chairman of the Bali DPRD Dewa Made Mahayadnya, Minister Fadli expressed his appreciation for the consistency of Bali in maintaining its cultural roots.

For 47 years, the Bali Arts Festival came without a break. This is not just a ceremony, but a strong statement that the culture of life and growth here. Bali can be a role model for other regions in maintaining ancestral heritage," he said.

This year's Ped Aya Parade presents thematic parades from nine regencies/cities in Bali. Each features works of art that reflect local wisdom, from the story of Subak, the symbol of keris, to the harmony of Ubud culture.

Karangasem displayed Jempana Masola, Jembrana with Jimbarwana, Buleleng present through Agra Bhuwana Raksa, Bangli through the Teatrical Posa Purwa Sancaya, Klungkung with Manggaling Kaula Gusti, Tabanan presented the story of Subak, Gianyar brought the spirit of Ubud cultural assimilation, Denpasar featured Ngerebong, and Badung closed it with a Keris symbol as a spiritual power.

The Minister of Transportation's admiration is not only focused on artistic visuals, but also on the dominance of the younger generation in parades. "The arts ecosystem in Bali is maintained. Young people take roles. This is what makes Bali worthy of being a national role model," he said.

Fadli Zon also conveyed greetings from President Prabowo Subianto who was unable to attend because he was on a foreign working visit. "God willing, next year he can attend directly at the opening of the 48th PKB," he said.

The event was also attended by a number of members of the DPR and DPD RI, Deputy Head of Bali Police Brigadier General Pol I Komang Sandhi Arsana, regents and mayors throughout Bali, cultural observers, Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum (ITOP Forum) delegates, and representatives of friendly countries.