BULELENG, Aug 19 (The Bali Herald) - A synchronized performance by 150 traditional dancers marked the opening of the six-day Buleleng Festival 2026 in northern Bali on Tuesday night, as local authorities seek to blend cultural preservation with economic development.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Buleleng Regent I Nyoman Sutjidra officially launched the cultural showcase by firing ceremonial cannons into the night sky at the Praja Mandala Singa Ambara Raja complex.
The opening spectacle featured three groups of 50 dancers stationed across different points of the plaza. Fifty Wiranjaya dancers performed on the western side, 50 Palawakya dancers occupied the northern section, and 50 Truna Jaya dancers performed to the east. Organizers said the combined routine symbolized Sunia Campuhan Parisuda, a traditional Balinese purification concept centered on the confluence of two water streams to achieve mental clarity and inner peace.
Running through Aug. 23, the 2026 festival operates under the theme Uriping Rasa, which translates to "living soul" or "living feeling." The Buleleng Regency government organized the annual gathering to showcase historical identity, foster local creative industries, and attract both domestic and international tourists.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Regent Sutjidra emphasized that traditional arts must adapt to modern society rather than remain static historical artifacts.
"Makna uriping yang berarti hidup dan rasa berarti hredaya/hati menegaskan bahwa budaya bukan sekedar tontonan, melainkan pengalaman batin yang membimbing tindakan kita sesuai dengan dharma," Sutjidra said, explaining that culture should serve as an inner guide for actions aligned with moral duty.
Sutjidra noted that Buleleng residents have maintained their identity while adapting to changes from the royal era through the digital age. "Kita ingin menunjukkan bahwa tradisi bukan sesuatu yang harus ditinggalkan ketika zaman berubah," he added, calling on younger generations to take pride in their heritage.
The festival is distributed across multiple functional venues in Singaraja to accommodate cultural displays, technological exhibitions, and commercial activities:
- Main Performing Stages: Zone A is hosted at the Singa Ambara Raja Monument, while Zone C operates at the Catus Pata Singaraja intersection. Additional performances are staged near the local financial management agency (BKAD) and regional parliament offices.
- Commercial and Craft Displays: The Laksmigraha Women's Building and the Singa Ambara Raja Gallery showcase goods from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) alongside regional handicrafts.
- Digital and Culinary Hubs: The Buleleng Digital Expo is located at the green open space of the Regent's official residence, while local food vendors occupy Veteran Street and surrounding avenues.
- Educational Forums: Cultural symposia and seminars are held at the Wantilan Sasana Budaya hall.
Sutjidra described the multi-venue setup as a comprehensive cultural ecosystem connecting performing arts, local economic growth, technology, and public education.
Governor Koster commended the Buleleng administration for organizing the event, highlighting Buleleng's distinct artistic influence across Bali. He noted that the festival supports Bali Provincial Regulation No. 4 of 2020 on the strengthening and advancement of Balinese culture.
"Mari kita teguhkan komitmen untuk melanjutkan gelora kesenian di Bumi Panji Sakti," Koster said, urging local leaders to maintain creative momentum and foster young artistic talent across the region.
"Semoga kegiatan ini mampu memacu semangat berkesenian, kreativitas dan inovasi bagi para seniman dan insan kreatif lainnya, namun tetap berpegang teguh pada akar kebudayaan Bali sebagaimana yang telah diwariskan oleh leluhur dan lelangit Bali," Koster added.
According to provincial officials, the festival aligns with Bali's broader regional development framework, known as Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, executed through the Planned Universal Development Pattern to guide the island's long-term economic and cultural policy.