BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – The annual Kartini Go Surf event at Kuta Beach on Sunday (April 19, 2026) featured not only women surfers in traditional kebaya attire, but also participants from the deaf community, reflecting a growing emphasis on inclusivity in Bali’s coastal activities.
Six deaf surfers from the Corti Deaf Surfers team took part in the event, bringing a unique dimension to the celebration, which coincides with Indonesia’s Kartini Day honoring women’s empowerment.
One participant, Ayu Intan Melisa Maharani, 21, said she was pleased to return to the event, describing the experience as meaningful.
“I’m very happy to be given the opportunity to join this surfing event,” she said through a sign language interpreter.
Intan noted that wearing a kebaya while surfing did not pose significant challenges and encouraged more women to take part in positive activities. She has participated in Kartini Go Surf three times and began learning surfing in 2022.
The group includes several young participants who share a common interest in surfing, with some joining the event for the first time. Their involvement is supported by Yayasan Corti Bali, which promotes opportunities for deaf individuals in outdoor and community activities.
A sign language interpreter from Rumah Berdaya Taman Sari, Made Windawan, explained that communication during training and the event relies on visual cues and gestures rather than sound.
“We don’t rely on voice communication, but on visuals, movement, and gestures. They understand sign language, so we communicate using Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO),” he said.
Event initiator Bagus Made Irawan, also known as Piping, said the inclusion of participants with disabilities was intentional, highlighting their strong commitment throughout training sessions.
“We trained from morning until sunset, from surfing in Kuta to stand-up paddling in Kedonganan. They showed remarkable strength and never complained,” he said.
Chairperson of Yayasan Corti Bali, I Gusti Agung Ayu Mirah Maheswari, emphasized that the ocean provides equal space for everyone, regardless of background.
“Hearing limitations are not barriers, but a different way of experiencing nature. This reflects inclusive solidarity,” she said.
Participation from the deaf community has steadily increased over the years, from four participants in 2021 to six in 2026. Organizers aim to further develop their skills and open opportunities for professional pathways in surfing.
The foundation also expressed plans to support Bali as a future host for an International Deaf Surfing Competition, combining inclusive sports development with tourism promotion.
In addition to surfing, the event also featured four Pendet dancers with hearing impairments from a local cultural foundation in Denpasar, reinforcing the message of inclusivity across both sports and arts.