President Prabowo absent from 48th Bali Arts Festival opening
Bali newsBali5 min read
President Prabowo did not attend the official opening of the 48th Annual Bali Arts Festival BAF on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Made Muliawan Arya, the Bali Chairman of President Prabowo’s Gerinda Party, attributed the President's absence to scheduling conflicts and other important responsibilities. De Gadjah, as he is also known, emphasized that the President has many duties and that his inability to attend a single event should not be misinterpreted as a lack of interest in Bali. He urged the public not to misunderstand the President's absence, stating that President Prabowo's connection with Bali and the central government's commitment to the island's culture remain strong. De Gadjah highlighted the BAF's role in Indonesian tourism, the local economy, and Bali's international promotion, urging collaboration to ensure its success and to strengthen national unity while preserving Bali's cultural heritage. The festival was officially opened by Bali Governor Wayan Koster at the Ardha Candra Theatre, following a Grand Parade Peed Aya in Denpasar.
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