CELEBRATING THE 81ST INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE, PESTA 2026 WAS SUCCESSFULLY HELD AT GWK CULTURAL PARK

Badung, August 17, 2026. The annual "People's Party 2026" was successfully held at GWK Cultural Park in Bali, peaking on Monday (August 17). Enlivened by thousands of visitors, the sixth People's Party carried the PESTA concept: Cultural Stage, Exploration of Feelings, Cheers, Meeting Point, and Sustainable Nature. This year's celebration not only featured entertainment but also a series of activities involving the local Balinese community, especially the younger generation.

The Dolanan program was attended by 156 participants who competed in traditional games ranging from tug-of-war, pole climbing, clog racing, sack relay races, stilts, marble races, and cracker eating. The spirit of cultural diversity also colored the celebrations through a Cultural Parade from SD 4 Jimbaran, held on August 14, 2026, with nearly 600 participants. Participants displayed costumes representing 18 regions of Indonesia, as well as a Baleganjur Tabuh performance. The involvement of the village community, students, and the community in both activities made the series of independence celebrations at GWK Cultural Park a space to celebrate togetherness and learn about Indonesia's rich culture.

"We held the People's Party as a space for the community to celebrate independence together at GWK Cultural Park. As a cultural tourism destination, cultural values are an integral part of all our activities. This year, this spirit was also embodied through the Cultural Parade, which involved nearly 600 elementary school students. This activity reflects the openness of GWK Cultural Park as a cultural stage for the community to learn about and express Indonesia's cultural diversity," said Ch. Rossie Andriani, Director of Operations at GWK Cultural Park.

From the cultural stage, the celebration then continued with an atmosphere of entertainment and festivity. The entertainment series featured performances by Teater Topeng SMAN 2 Denpasar, Soulfood, Juicy Luicy, D'Masiv, and Aldi Taher, hosted by Duo Giga. Various interactive activities and prize draws complemented the celebration before concluding with a fireworks display from three locations within the GWK Cultural Park area.

Besides providing entertainment, Pesta Rakyat (People's Party) also invited visitors to enjoy a variety of culinary experiences and local products. At the Jendela Bali booth, visitors could enjoy independence-themed dishes such as the Sang Saka Burger, Patriot Panna Cotta, and Semangat Juang drink. Meanwhile, MyMelali GWK Market served as a platform for community economic empowerment by showcasing a variety of local products from MSMEs. Visitors could also find a selection of souvenirs at the Kencana Souvenir booth, which was also present during Pesta Rakyat.

The celebratory spirit was further enhanced by environmental awareness as part of Alam Lestari (Sustainable Nature). During the event, 453 kg of waste was collected and sorted, with organic waste processed into compost and inorganic waste directed for recycling. GWK Cultural Park collaborated with Bali Waste Cycle to process inorganic waste into various attractive and useful products. These efforts were complemented by environmental education through a composting and eco-enzyme showcase.

"For us, festivity and environmental awareness should go hand in hand. Through the People's Party, we hope that people will not only take home the experience of celebrating independence, but also the spirit of continuing to preserve togetherness and the environment," Rossie continued.

These diverse experiences are part of GWK Cultural Park's efforts to present an independence celebration that can be enjoyed by all groups. From traditional culture and games, musical performances, culinary delights and local products, to environmental education, the 2026 People's Party is a momentum to bring people together in a festive and togetherness-filled atmosphere.

About GWK Cultural Park

GWK Cultural Park is a cultural and tourism destination located in Ungasan, Bali. Covering an area of 60 hectares, home to the 121-meter-tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, GWK Cultural Park offers a blend of art, culture, entertainment, and recreational experiences in one area.

As one of Bali's iconic destinations, GWK Cultural Park is visited by more than 1.5 million visitors annually and presents 15 cultural performances daily, showcasing the richness of Balinese art and traditions. In addition to being a cultural tourism destination, GWK Cultural Park is also a venue for various national and international events, including the G20 Summit and the World Water Forum, as well as various MICE activities, concerts, festivals, and community events.

GWK Cultural Park continues to develop its role as a space that brings together culture, community, creativity, and various experiences to support Bali's tourism ecosystem and creative economy.

For further information, please contact: Public Relations Department - GWK Cultural Park Phone: (0361) – 700808 ext. 8109 Email: info@gwkbali.com