Deputy Minister Praises Inclusion of Children and Disabled Artists in Bali Arts Festival

Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development (Wamendukbangga) Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka has assessed that local governments across Bali are right to involve children and people with disabilities in the arts during the 48th Bali Arts Festival (PKB) in 2026. Isyana made the statement after opening the PKB 2026 parade in Denpasar on Saturday, noting the demographic bonus on the horizon which requires strong character amidst globalisation and the ability to compete. “I see it from the perspective of the Ministry of Population and Family Development. We are currently entering a demographic bonus period. Looking at the parade, there were so many children and young people participating. This is tangible proof that the younger generation and children can always preserve culture, especially Balinese culture,” she said. At the start of PKB 2026, the Deputy Minister observed that the involvement of children and the disabled was evenly spread across all district and city parade contingents. It is hoped that they will eventually become successful successor artists who preserve Balinese culture and address the challenges leading up to Golden Indonesia 2045. “It is extraordinary because it shows that whatever our condition, we can all still be involved. The disabled, those with different abilities, everyone can participate in preserving culture and no one is left behind; we can do it together,” said Isyana Bagoes Oka. One of the regions including children and disabled groups in PKB 2026 is Badung Regency. According to Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa, in addition to the opening parade, children and disabled individuals will also perform throughout the festival series. “I want us to have equality, no differences. They can also perform and use this event to be creative. All this time, people thought the disabled had to stay at home, but that is not the case,” he stated. The Badung Regency Government views that through platforms like this, all segments of society will be motivated and gain the confidence to carry out beneficial activities they have mastered. PKB 2026 itself will take place from 13 June to 11 July 2026, involving a total of 673 traditional art groups and foundations with approximately 20,929 artists.