Visually impaired performers present Arja Negak at 2026 Bali Arts Festival

The Indonesian Blind Union (Pertuni) of Badung Regency, Bali, presented an Arja Negak performance, a form of seated theatrical art, at the 48th Bali Arts Festival (PKB) in 2026. The performance’s responsible officer, Anak Agung Ngurah Sastra Wirawan, stated that the show embodies the spirit of visually impaired individuals in preserving traditional Balinese arts. “Honestly, this motivation came from the Badung Regency Government, enabling us to perform at this year’s Bali Arts Festival,” said Ngurah Sastra in Denpasar on Thursday. He explained that the Arja Negak performance was chosen because it aligns with the 2026 PKB theme, Atma Kerthi, whilst also highlighting the values of I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s struggle through the involvement of visually impaired persons in preserving Balinese culture. “We chose to perform Arja Negak because it fits this year’s PKB theme, Atma Kerthi, and also elevates the struggle of I Gusti Ngurah Rai by involving blind individuals in preserving Balinese culture,” he said. “The preparation took quite a long time with our immense determination to perform at this year’s PKB. We trained intensively twice a week,” he added. During the performance, 17 visually impaired individuals presented Arja Negak as a traditional Balinese art offering in the Rekasadan (Performance) category. He expressed hope that the presence of visually impaired performers on the PKB stage would demonstrate that physical limitations are not a barrier to creating art and contributing to the preservation of Balinese culture. “Our message to the community is that we will always preserve culture and love Bali forever, despite our limitations,” he said. The Arja Negak performance by Pertuni Badung Regency represents a form of participation by persons with disabilities in supporting the preservation of Balinese arts and culture, whilst strengthening the spirit of inclusivity at the 48th Bali Arts Festival.