CELEBRATING NATIONAL CULTURE DAY, GWK WELCOMES 450 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR CULTURAL LITERACY

Denpasar, October 17, 2025 — In commemoration of National Culture Day, which falls every October 17th, Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park reaffirmed its commitment as a cultural center created by, by, and for the Balinese people. Through its Cultural Literacy CSR program, GWK invited more than 400 students from Jimbaran Elementary School 10 to learn about, experience, and appreciate the richness of Indonesian culture, particularly Balinese heritage. Since its inception, GWK has served not only as a tourist destination but also as an educational space for the younger generation. "GWK is deeply connected to culture, as every element is designed to honor and celebrate the richness of Balinese traditions. GWK offers cultural experiences in the form of dance, music, and cultural performances. Therefore, we regularly invite elementary school students to come and learn about culture at GWK. This demonstrates our commitment to contributing to fostering a love of culture from an early age. Because culture is the identity of the nation," said Ch. Rossie Andriani, GWK's Operational Director, when opening the event and presenting Certificates of Appreciation to the school. The series of activities then continued with a sightseeing tour of the GWK area. The students began with a visit to the Turtle Plaza, where the coin-throwing ritual is held as a symbol of hope and good fortune. They then entered the spiritual area of Parahyangan Somaka Giri, a sacred spring believed by the local community to possess special powers for hundreds of years. Located within the GWK area, Parahyangan Somaka Giri is believed to be a spring that "never dries up," capable of curing illnesses or praying for offspring, and is managed by a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The students received a detailed explanation of the significance of this place, including the entrance procedures, which emphasize Balinese customs (kamen, scarves, and taboos for those menstruating) as part of the cultural education. Next, the group posed for photos with the area's icons, the statue of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, and the GWK statue itself, as a backdrop. This moment also reinforced cultural identity and local pride. The activity continued at the GWK Amphitheater, where students learned to play the traditional angklung as part of the "Culture in Practice" session. To close the day, the animated film "The Adventures of Little Garuda" (The Adventures of Little Garuda) was screened, highlighting the importance of respecting the mother who gave birth to us, appreciating the process of birth and education, and upholding gratitude and devotion as the nation's next generation. Previously, GWK also hosted this film as part of its cultural education program for children. Since this CSR program launched in 2022, GWK has invited more than 10,000 elementary school students to participate in free cultural learning sessions on-site. Through today's series of activities, GWK demonstrated that strengthening cultural literacy is not merely rhetoric, but rather concrete, inclusive action for the Balinese people, recognizing that tourism and cultural areas must thrive alongside local communities and the younger generation. With the spirit of "GWK is Present for the Community," GWK hopes this event will not be just a one-day celebration, but will build a sustainable cultural network, strengthen the character of Balinese children, and foster pride in local heritage in the era of globalization. ABOUT GARUDA WISNU KENCANA Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a 60-hectare cultural park located in Ungasan, Badung Regency, approximately 10-15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Since 2012, 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 other locations, 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 covering an area of up to 5,000 square meters and frequently hosts major national and international events. The amphitheater, which hosts arts and cultural performances, has a seating capacity of up to 500. As a 21st-century tourism destination, GWK has now developed into a cultural park featuring a variety of events, including cultural performances, entertainment attractions, various sculptures, and unique limestone cliff landscape art. GWK also offers a culinary destination, highlighting the charm of Ungasan Hill, and a variety of unique and attractive souvenirs available at Kencana Souvenir. For further information, please contact: Public Relations Department - GWK Cultural Park Phone: (0361) – 700808 ext. 8115 Email: info@gwkbali.com