Eyewitness News – The MERU
TULOLA, in collaboration with PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), is hosting Kawan Nusantara 2026 titled “EVOLUSI” on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Tirtasada Lobby, The Meru Sanur, Bali. Bali marks the second city in this year’s Kawan Nusantara roadshow, following its initial showcase in Jakarta on July 23–24.
Coinciding with National Batik Day, Kawan Nusantara Bali 2026 sees TULOLA, together with The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, honor batik and other artistic mediums as vital elements of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Under the banner of EVOLUSI, the event invites the public to witness how cultural heritage continuously evolves and adopts new forms.
We believe tradition remains alive because people constantly reinterpret it. EVOLUSI is our way of looking at how ancestral values and traditions find new expressions without losing their soul,” said Happy Salma, Founder & Creative Conceptor of TULOLA.
The theme is anchored in the transformation of the subeng, a traditional Balinese ear ornament. This journey is conveyed through an artistic installation detailing changes in the subeng’s function, shape, materials, and design philosophy.
Sri Luce Rusna, Founder & Creative Designer of TULOLA, shared that the project stems from research into the functional shift of the ornament. “With EVOLUSI, we want to show that tradition does not freeze in its original state—it grows alongside people. We chose the subeng to translate this evolution into design, tracing its path from historical spiritual contexts to contemporary forms.”
The installation is structured into four distinct phases:
• Persembahan (Offering): Frames the subeng in a spiritual light through motifs inspired by padma architecture found in Balinese sacred structures.
• Ekspresi (Expression): Represents the ornament as a medium for aesthetic expression, featuring lotus flower motifs paired with climbing vines.
• Nilai (Value): Explores its transition into social and economic realms, highlighted by basket and lily patterns.
• Transformasi (Transformation): Illustrates how the subeng adapts to modern times, incorporated alongside typography reading “EVOLUSI.”
This narrative is further brought to life through an opening performance titled “Rangga Rasmi” by Sanggar Widya Sani UNHI. Performers will showcase 12 curated batik textiles from Sarinah to commemorate National Batik Day.
Hera F. Haryn, EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility at BCA, stated that leading the event as the main sponsor aligns with BCA’s dedication to showcasing Bakti BCA micro-entrepreneurs to a broader audience.
“BCA is proud to return to Kawan Nusantara and highlight the creations of our Bakti BCA-assisted businesses as part of our commitment to promoting Indonesia’s rich culture and creativity. Multi-stakeholder synergy is key to sustaining the creative economy and opening broader market access for local business owners. Moving forward, BCA will continue to serve as a bridge for creative talents to build capacity, expand their market reach, and position Indonesian artistry competitively on the global stage,” Hera noted.
Kawan Nusantara Bali 2026 also premieres the “EVOLUSI” Artwear Collection, featuring 48 jewelry pieces, including earrings, subeng, brooches, hair combs, necklaces, and bracelets. Design motifs include Canang, Macan (Tiger), Sinar (Ray), and Bunga & Kupu-kupu (Flowers & Butterflies).
“At The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The National Heritage Collection, preserving Indonesian heritage while upholding international hospitality standards is central to our mission. Our identity is rooted in Indonesian culture, reflected in our warm, genuine hospitality throughout every guest’s stay. Through this collaboration, we are proud to safeguard our cultural heritage and provide a platform for Indonesian artisans to keep creating—translating tradition into art that can be enjoyed, appreciated, and passed down. This is how we bring our spirit of ‘Leaving Legacy’ to life,” said Ed Brea, General Manager of The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The National Heritage Collection.
The event features joint efforts with several Indonesian creative brands, including Bali Sama Sama, Flirt Bali, Indigo Kids, Nina MG, and Saka Sarongs. Featured Bakti BCA partners include Marista Santividya, Kampung Batik Gemah Sumilir, and Koperasi Konsumen Uma Tinung Kambata, alongside Sarinah-guided partners Sidamukti and Batik Lasem.
Additionally, the HEROES OF HERITAGE project—a collaboration between Bakti BCA, TULOLA, and local artisans I Made Suama and Ketut Daging from Taro Tourism Village, Bali—adapts traditional pratima (sacred object) craftsmanship into wearable jewelry. The showcase also displays two notable daggers: “Keris Wibawa Gunung Raung” by I Komang Sudena and “Keris Sabdha Dharma” by Balinese artist I Made Arsanata.
TULOLA expresses its gratitude to media partners for their support, hoping the public views tradition and culture as a living, evolving journey driven by its ongoing custodians.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
