Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of the 43rd Bali Arts Festival, 12 June 2021, from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province
Om Swastiastu,
Dumogi para semeton rahajeng sareng sami.
(May peace be upon us all)
Distinguished Governor of Bali, Regents, and Mayors across Bali province, Distinguished local artists, culture bearers, and creative workers, as well as all of Krama Bali (the Balinese people) that I am proud of.
The holding of 43rd Bali Arts Festival is proof that under heavy pressure from the pandemic, creativity and productivity of the Balinese people keep growing and performing in new ways to continually enliven the world’s art stage.
More than that, I would also like to extend my appreciation for adapting the theme of “Purna Jiwa: Prananing Wana Kerthi” that invites the breeding of flora and fauna, as well as all biodiversity, spreading the spirit of conservation, and living in harmony with nature to heal civilization from the pandemic.
Literary legacies on the warning of the coming pandemic and ways to prevent and adapt to the pandemic need to be reopened and developed to take both lessons and correlation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
And, the main key to Bali’s economic recovery lies in our ability to deal with the pandemic. Maintaining discipline on health protocols is a must; swift and massive vaccination drive as well as effective micro-scale public activity restrictions (PPKM Mikro) at the levels of community units and traditional villages must be put in place to curb the transmission. Let us show the world that Bali is a safe tourist destination to visit.
Lastly, I praised the efforts made by the regional government, artists, and all Balinese people who continue to work, express artworks, and develop aesthetics and noble traditions of Balinese culture while still implementing strict and measurable health protocols.
By asking for the grace of God the Almighty, I declare the 43rd Bali Arts Festival in 2021 officially open.
Om santi santi santi om. (RIF/MUR)