Jokowi Opens BAF, Arts Unite the State and Nation

Denpasar, 6/15 (Atnews) – President Jokowi officially opened the Bali Arts Festival (BAF) XLI marked with the beating of kulkul or wooden split drum. The activity featured the BAF mascot with the appearance of the Shiva Nata Raja Dance accompanied with ‘Ketug Bumi’ presented by the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar. Jokowi also had time to greet Balinese people in Balinese language.

Greetings spoken in Balinese are the characteristic when opening events on the Island of the Gods. The BAF 2019 carries the theme "Bayu Pramana: Glorifying Wind Resources” and the vision and mission of Governor Wayan Koster namely Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali through the Universal Development Planning Patter towards the New Era of Bali.

The event taking place lively was attended by thousands of artists throughout Bali, even the artists from outside the region (Papua) and participants from overseas (the United States, China, Japan, Singapore and India).

Meanwhile, Governor Koster hoped the event can unite the nation and maintain the image of Bali as a world’s tourist destination.

“The art can unite the nation and state considering that Indonesia has a variety of tribes, customs, cultures and languages,” he affirmed.

Various regulations have been implemented and designed to protect nature, people and culture. This signifies the leadership of Governor Koster who is serious in preserving the sublime Balinese culture.

On that occasion, he also congratulated Jokowi for his re-election with Amin as the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia in the next five years in bringing prosperity and social control. (ART/02)