GWK Supports Traditional Arts Cultural Literacy through the GWK Menabuh Program

MEDIA RELEASE GWK Menabuh: GWK's Efforts to Preserve Traditional Balinese Music Badung, April 27, 2024. Bali is known worldwide as a haven for the beauty of art, tradition, and culture. Through dance moves and the melodious strains of gamelan, Bali captivates millions of people every year. In an effort to preserve the richness of Balinese traditional music and support the existence of young musicians in Bali, Garuda Wisnu Kencana proudly presents the launch of the GWK Menabuh Program, an initiative to celebrate and preserve Bali's traditional artistic heritage. The GWK Menabuh Program is a collaborative learning activity with musicians at the GWK Bali studio. Through this program, Garuda Wisnu Kencana affirms its commitment to providing a space for the preservation of arts and culture, particularly traditional Balinese music. In addition to preserving culture, GWK Menabuh also serves as a unique attraction for tourists. Visitors can learn and join young artists playing the Selonding instrument. A gamelan instrument that differs slightly from the typical Balinese gamelan. Selonding gamelan itself is one of the oldest gamelan types, originating from the Karangasem region, on the eastern tip of Bali. The tonal structure of Selonding gamelan sounds distinct from the more familiar Balinese gamelan. Its unique tonal structure makes Selonding gamelan sound magical and hypnotic when played in the Kura-kura Plaza area of GWK Cultural Park. The GWK Menabuh program has three levels: learning, performance, and socialization. This division of levels is intended to allow young artists participating in the GWK Menabuh program to develop their talents optimally and measurably. Ultimately, they can play a role as agents of preservation of Balinese arts and culture in the future. The GWK Menabuh program is expected to provide an opportunity for young people to channel their hobbies and creativity, providing a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and inspiration. "Through training and performances, GWK hopes to strengthen the network of the musician community and preserve and promote the rich heritage of traditional Balinese music," said Stefanus Yonathan Astayasa, Operations Director of GWK Cultural Park. About Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a cultural park spanning approximately 60 hectares located in Ungasan, Badung Regency, approximately 10-15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Since 2012, under the management of PT Alam Sutera Realty Tbk, GWK has undergone various facility renovations. Improvements to facilities and infrastructure in the main areas of GWK Cultural Park, such as Plaza Wisnu, Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater, Indraloka Park, Tirta Agung, and others, have been made to enhance visitor comfort. In 2018, the GWK statue, an icon of Indonesia, was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Joko Widodo. The GWK Cultural Park area consists of several venues, including Plaza Wisnu, Lotus Pond, and the 5,000-square-meter Festival Park with a capacity of 15,000 visitors. The 1.4-hectare Mandalaloka, which holds 30,000 visitors and frequently hosts major national and international events, is also located within the park. The amphitheater, which serves as a venue for arts and cultural performances, has a seating capacity of up to 500. As a 21st-century tourism destination, GWK is currently developing into a cultural park, presenting a variety of events, including cultural performances, entertainment attractions, diverse sculptures, and unique limestone cliff landscape art. GWK also offers a culinary destination, highlighting the charm of Ungasan Hill at Jendela Bali and Beranda Resto. A variety of unique and attractive souvenirs are available at Kencana Souvenir. For more information, please contact: Guest & Public Relations Department GWK Cultural Park Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta, Bali Telephone: (0361) – 700808 ext. 8115 Email: info@gwkbali.com