BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Fifty Buddhist monks participating in the Indonesia Walk for Peace (IWFP) 2026 arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on Thursday night (May 7, 2026) to begin a long-distance spiritual journey across Indonesia.
The monks, who come from Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia, landed in Denpasar at around 21:30 WITA aboard AirAsia flight AK374 from Kuala Lumpur.
Their arrival marks the start of a cross-regional spiritual pilgrimage and peace campaign ahead of Vesak Day celebrations. The participants will undertake a traditional Thudong walking journey covering thousands of kilometers through Bali, East Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta before concluding at Borobudur Temple in Magelang.
Airport authorities stated that special coordination was carried out to ensure the group’s arrival proceeded smoothly, involving immigration, customs, and quarantine officials.
General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nugroho Jati, said the airport was honored to welcome the monks and support an event carrying a universal message of peace and harmony.
“Ngurah Rai International Airport welcomes all monks participating in Indonesia Walk for Peace. As the airport operator, we are honored to be part of the arrival of the monks who are beginning this spiritual journey,” Nugroho said on Friday (May 8, 2026).
He added that the event also reflects Bali’s position as an international destination known for cultural diversity, spirituality, and social harmony.
“The presence of the monks in Bali brings a positive message about maintaining peace, harmony, and brotherhood within a diverse society. We hope this spiritual journey can inspire many people,” he said.
Indonesia Walk for Peace is an annual spiritual pilgrimage connected to Vesak celebrations, promoting tolerance, social awareness, and peaceful coexistence across Indonesia’s multicultural communities.
Throughout the journey, the monks are expected to walk through multiple cities and interact with local communities while spreading messages of compassion, unity, and interfaith harmony.