Calls are increasingly being heard in Bali to engage young residents in preserving cultural heritage. In Badung, authorities emphasize that the new generation should become key custodians of traditions and drivers of the creative community.
The Deputy Head of the district, I Gusti Agung Alit Suchipta, called for unity and activity among youth organizations. He reminded that balai banjars—community houses—can serve as venues for experience exchange and growth, and allocated 30 million rupiahs for a kite festival and other projects.
The international Rare Angon Festival will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at Mertasari Beach in Sanur. It will feature about 100 foreign participants from 30 countries, along with representatives from Balinese communities. The program includes traditional kite-flying competitions, exhibitions, evening shows, and unique performances. The wayang udara spectacle, where giant aerial puppets (up to 5 meters) come "alive" in the sky to the sounds of gamelan, is particularly captivating.
Local participants will showcase thousands of traditional kites, handmade according to Balinese standards and motifs—each being not only a work of art but also a symbol of spiritual connection with nature and ancestors.
The festival also emphasizes environmental care: participants use eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, and the celebration aims to inspire youth towards a respectful attitude towards nature through art and traditions.
Festival schedule:
- July 31 (Thursday) — From 10 am kite parade and exhibition, from 4 to 6 pm dance and music program.
- August 1 (Friday) — At 5 pm opening ceremony, evening aerial puppet show with giant figures.
- August 2 and August 3 — From 10 am to 6 pm local team competitions; international participants will compete separately at Muntig Siokan beach.
Also, from June 21 to July 19, the 47th Bali Art Festival took place in Denpasar—the island's largest cultural event, held since 1979. The festival program included concerts, dances, parades, exhibitions, and lectures, with youth groups playing a significant role.
Additionally, Badung nominated four local traditions—two rare Baris dances, the ritual Ngelampad, and Gambang music—for inclusion in the national intangible heritage list.
Amid growing tourism and globalization, the island is seeking a balance between development and preserving its roots. Youth are increasingly becoming not just participants but initiators of cultural changes.
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