DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture is preparing to hold the Culture, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy and Innovation (CHANDI) Summit again in Bali, with the international cultural forum scheduled to take place in August 2026 in Nusa Dua, Badung Regency.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has encouraged organizers to involve local artists in the event, emphasizing the importance of showcasing authentic Balinese cultural expressions and creativity.
Speaking during a meeting with Ministry of Culture Secretary General Bambang Wibawarta at the Bali Governor’s Office in Renon, Denpasar on Monday (March 16), Koster said the summit should highlight strong cultural elements that reflect Bali’s artistic identity.
“Dance fragments that implement the main theme, Culture in Action, can be prepared. The cultural atmosphere must be strong,” Koster said.
He also suggested the possibility of presenting artistic installations inspired by ogoh-ogoh, the large ceremonial statues traditionally featured during Bali’s Nyepi celebrations, as a representation of Balinese creativity.
The meeting also discussed the need for a clear framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Bali Provincial Government to support the organization of the summit.
According to Koster, collaboration between the national and regional governments is important because Bali’s development strategy places cultural preservation and cultural-based development at its core.
He noted that Balinese culture remains actively practiced in daily life and continues to evolve through community participation.
“Cultural regeneration is happening naturally, especially with the involvement of younger generations in various arts and traditional activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bambang Wibawarta explained that Bali was selected again as the host due to the success of the previous CHANDI Summit held on the island.
The earlier edition of the event brought together representatives from 43 countries, with total participation reaching around 5,000 attendees.
The 2026 summit will include a series of cultural diplomacy activities such as dialogue forums, thematic discussions, and international cultural narrative exchanges.
This year’s event will carry the theme “Culture in Action,” focusing on how cultural values can be applied and expressed within a rapidly changing global environment.
For Bali, the summit is expected to further strengthen the island’s role as a center for cultural diplomacy and international dialogue while highlighting its living cultural traditions to a global audience.