BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – Following its strong reception last year, the Buleleng International Rhythms Festival (BIRF) is scheduled to return in 2026, with the event set to take place from March 10 to 15. Buleleng Regency will once again host the international arts and cultural festival.
Buleleng Regent I Nyoman Sutjidra expressed full support for the festival, which is backed by IOV–UNESCO. He said BIRF is a prestigious cultural platform that brings together artistic expressions from different countries, while also providing opportunities for local artists to perform alongside international participants.
“The people of Buleleng will certainly welcome this event, as cultural and artistic performances are highly appreciated by the community,” Sutjidra said during a meeting with the event organizers on Monday (5/1).
BIRF 2026 Organizing Committee Chair Nyoman Dini Andiani noted that the success of the previous two editions has created a strong emotional connection with international participants. This has been reflected in the return of several artists who have taken part in earlier festivals.
As of now, eight countries are expected to participate in the 2026 edition, with an estimated total of around 200 participants. Registration remains ongoing, and the number may increase.
Meanwhile, Director of IOV–UNESCO Indonesia in Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Eka Prasetya, said BIRF 2026 represents continued trust from UNESCO and IOV in North Bali as a host region within the IOV Indonesia network. He emphasized that the festival positions arts and culture as instruments of cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
“BIRF reinforces Buleleng Regency as an important node in the world’s cultural network,” he stated.