The excitement of the Independence Day celebration "Merdeka Fest 2024" at GWK Cultural Park

MEDIA RELEASE Badung, August 18, 2024. GWK Cultural Park closed its Independence Day celebrations (Merdeka Fest) on August 17, 2024, with great fanfare. The event, which concluded with a performance by SLANK and a fireworks display, was packed with over 12,000 people. Since the afternoon, visitors had begun to flock to GWK Cultural Park. The enthusiasm of the audience was such that they were willing to queue for over an hour at the entrance to the performance. "The 2024 Merdeka Fest is indeed an innovation from previous events held by GWK. The peak event, which coincided with Independence Day, targeted 8,000 visitors. Unexpectedly, by 9:00 PM WITA, the number of spectators had reached over 10,000," said Stefanus Yonathan Astayasa, Operational Director of GWK Cultural Park. The Excitement of the Merdeka Fest Concert at GWK Cultural Park Stefanus further explained that the audience was not only from Bali, but also from outside Bali. Fifty percent of the audience were from Bali, while the remainder were from outside Bali, as many fans of Slank, often called Slanker, also came from outside Bali. "From what I've observed, 50% of the audience was from Bali, with the rest from outside," he explained. In addition to SLANK, the peak Merdeka Fest event also featured a line-up of renowned musicians, such as Juicy Lucy x Afrian Khalf, Superman Is Dead, For Revenge, and closed with a performance by Feel Koplo and a spectacular fireworks display. MERDEKA FEST 2024 SERIES OF ACTIVITIES The excitement of Independence Day (Merdeka Fest 2024) isn't limited to August 17th. Numerous activities are taking place the day before. Partnering with Dipta Komunika and ASA Kreasi Interasia as partners and promoters, GWK Cultural Park successfully implemented the Merdeka Fest 2024 series, which included several themes, including "Merdeka Bermusik" (Freedom in Music) and "Merdeka Berlari" (Freedom in Running). Food Festival at the Merdeka Fest Concert Merdeka Bermusik (Merdeka Bermusik) opened with a series of musical performances starting on August 13, 2024. Taking place at Festival Park, GWK Cultural Park, Merdeka Bermusik featured dozens of renowned Indonesian musicians, including Lyodra, Vierratale, Hindia, The Adams, and Oom. Leo, Juicy Luicy, and Indonesian music legends, SLANK. The event was further enlivened by performances by Balinese musicians, including Robi NAVICULA, Astera, Joni Agung & Double T, and Tony Q. Spectacular Fireworks In addition to Merdeka Bermusik (Freedom in Music), GWK Cultural Park also held a Merdeka Berlari (Freedom in Running). Of the target 1,200 participants, this event attracted 1,700 runners. This Fun Run, held on a running track within the GWK Cultural Park area, was the first such event held by GWK Cultural Park. Lyodra's Performance at the Merdeka Fest The enthusiasm of the Balinese people for the Merdeka Berlari event was extraordinary. Reo Danis Yogiswara, Creative and Marketing Director of Asa Kreasi Interasia, stated, "We are very grateful for the enthusiasm of the people who participated in the Merdeka Berlari event. The spirit of nationalism displayed by the participants was extraordinary." Furthermore, to celebrate Independence Day, GWK Cultural Park also held an Independence Parade, inviting hundreds of kindergarten students from South Kuta to join in the lively celebrations at GWK through the Merdeka Cultural Literacy CSR program. Attended by nearly 300 children, 32 teachers, and 282 parents, the event introduced them to Balinese culture through angklung music performances, the animated film "The Adventures of Little Garuda," and a cultural carnival at GWK Cultural Park's Lotus Pond. "Through this event, GWK Cultural Park demonstrates its commitment to becoming a top tourist destination, not only showcasing the beauty of Balinese arts and culture but also providing attractions that appeal to all levels of society," said Stefanus Yonathan Astayasa, Operational Director of GWK Cultural Park, concluding the meeting with the attending journalists. About Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park 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, 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 Festival Park. The park covers an area of 5,000 square meters and frequently hosts large-scale national and international events. 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 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. Furthermore, 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.