Eyewitness – Kuta Selatan
Ogoh-Ogoh is a sacred art form that emerges once a year, coinciding with the celebration of Nyepi (Day of Silence). As a potent symbol of Balinese culture, Ogoh-Ogoh represents artistic expression, spiritual values, and community togetherness. As a cultural landmark of Bali, GWK Cultural Park continues to provide a platform for the community to express their creativity and cultural identity through the annual Ogoh-Ogoh Festival, which has now entered its sixth year.
This year’s festival reinforces GWK’s commitment to supporting the preservation of Balinese heritage. The event featured 15 selected banjars (traditional community wards) from the South Kuta District, chosen through a rigorous curation process from a total of 33 applicants. The series of events kicked off at 4:00 PM WITA with an Ogoh-Ogoh parade in the Festival Park area, followed by a competition held in the Mandalaloka zone.
The festival is presented as part of GWK’s efforts to create a memorable visitor experience while offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the full richness of Balinese culture within a comfortable and well-organized destination.
Ch Rossie Andriani, Operations Director of GWK Cultural Park, stated:
“This year’s Ogoh-Ogoh Festival reflects the excellent collaboration between participants, the community, and the organizing team. The nearly twofold increase in participants compared to previous years reflects the growing dedication of the community—especially the younger generation—to cultural preservation. Through this festival, GWK strives to provide an open space for works born from the Balinese people, while
Serving as a cultural showcase for both local and international visitors.
Behind the grandeur of the displayed Ogoh-Ogoh lies a story of hard work by the youth who dedicated their time and energy for weeks. Many members of the Seka Teruna Teruni (traditional youth organizations at the village level) worked late into the night, and even until dawn, to perfect the details of their creations.
“We want to give our best, not just for the competition, but to showcase our identity as Balinese people,” said a representative of the Seka Teruna Teruni.
This process serves as more than just festival preparation; it has become a space for togetherness and learning that strengthens intergenerational bonds. The festival was evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of Anak Agung Gede Agung Rama Putra (Badung), I Kadek Sumariyasa, S.Sn (Denpasar), I Wayan Juliarta (Gianyar), and Andre Prawiradisastra as a representative of GWK Management.
Festival Winners and Highlights
The top honors for this year’s Ogoh-Ogoh Festival were awarded as follows:
• First Place: Sekaa Teruna Yowana Pratyaksa from Banjar Bualu, with their work titled “Roga Sanggara Bumi.”
• Second Place: Sekaa Teruna Setya Budhi from Banjar Ubung, featuring the piece “Pragola Mayuda Pralaya.”
• Third Place: Sekaa Teruna Widya Dharma from Banjar Tengah, with the entry “Asuri Bava.”
• People’s Choice Award: Also secured by Sekaa Teruna Yowana Pratyaksa from Banjar Bualu.
Empowering Local Communities
Beyond the main competition, the festival served as a platform for economic empowerment. Through the “My Melali GWK Market” program, held from March 21–23, 2026, the event collaborated with local SMEs (UMKMs) and brands to showcase various regional products.
The festivities were further enlivened by an interactive performance from Pemoeda Soeka Karaoke, which provided engaging entertainment for all visitors in attendance.
About GWK Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a sprawling 60-hectare cultural destination situated in Ungasan, Badung Regency, just a 10-to-15-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Far more than a mere tourist attraction, GWK stands as a cultural sanctuary for Bali and a symbol of national pride, seamlessly weaving together art, tradition, and modern experiences within an integrated landscape.
In 2018, the iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue was officially inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. This monumental masterpiece, crafted by Indonesia’s finest artisans, serves not only as a national landmark but also as a global attraction that embodies the rich philosophical and spiritual depth of Balinese heritage.
The GWK Cultural Park features an array of large-scale venues capable of hosting thousands of guests, making it a strategic hub for major national and international events, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Its premier spaces—Lotus Pond and Festival Park—have served as prestigious backdrops for high-profile global summits such as the G20 and the World Water Forum (WWF), as well as world-class concerts and performances that draw massive audiences.
As a leading tourism destination, GWK continues to offer a diverse range of experiences, from traditional Balinese performing arts and entertainment attractions to massive sculptural installations and iconic limestone cliff landscapes. Visitors can also indulge in a culinary journey at Jendela Bali Resto & Lounge, set against the exotic backdrop of the Ungasan hills, or explore a unique selection of local mementos at Kencana Souvenir.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
