The opening parade of the 2026 Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali/PKB) was filled with colourful performances, traditional costumes and cultural pride. Yet among the thousands of artists taking part, a small group from Badung Regency captured the attention of spectators for a different reason.
Four artists with disabilities joined the grand procession on Saturday, 13 June, demonstrating that Balinese art belongs to everyone.
Using wheelchairs, the performers confidently showcased basic agem, the foundational postures of Balinese dance, as they moved through the Renon area alongside thousands of fellow artists. Their appearance formed part of the peed aya parade, which marked the official opening of the 48th Bali Arts Festival.
This year’s parade involved 3,430 artists representing all nine regencies and cities across Bali. Participants followed the concept of purwa daksina, moving in a clockwise direction around the festival grounds while presenting cultural performances unique to their respective regions.
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For Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa, the inclusion of artists with disabilities reflected a deeper message about equality and participation.
In his explanation during the parade, Adi said the presence of the performers embodied the belief that a person’s worth is not defined by physical perfection, but by the spirit and creativity they bring to society.
“I want there to be equality, no discrimination. They can also perform, and they can also use this event (PKB) as a place to be creative. People don’t always think that people with disabilities have to stay at home,” Adi said, as quoted by Tirto.id.
According to Adi, the decision to involve artists with disabilities was a collective initiative within the Badung Regency administration. Beyond showcasing artistic talent, the move was intended to encourage greater confidence among people with disabilities and provide a platform for them to express themselves publicly.
The performance also served as a reminder that cultural spaces can become places where everyone feels represented, regardless of physical limitations.
To further support people with disabilities, the Badung Regency Government provides monthly assistance of IDR 1 million. Adi explained that the programme is designed to help recipients access the same opportunities and facilities available to the wider community.
“What’s clear is that people with disabilities also love to create. So, we’re giving them a space,” he added.
A Month-Long Celebration of Balinese Culture
The Bali Arts Festival remains the island’s largest annual celebration of arts and culture. Running from 13 June to 11 July 2026, the event brings together artists, performers, craftsmen and cultural communities from across Bali.
Held under the theme “Atma Kerthi: Jiwa Sidha Parisudha”, this year’s festival focuses on honouring and uplifting the human spirit while preserving Balinese cultural values.
Centred at the Bali Cultural Park (Art Centre) in Denpasar, the festival features a diverse programme of activities. Visitors can enjoy the Peed Aya parade, traditional and contemporary dance performances, cultural competitions, craft exhibitions by local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), workshops and discussion forums.
Participants include representatives from every regency and city in Bali, alongside artists and students from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar.
For decades, PKB has served as a meeting point between tradition and innovation. Classical performances stand alongside contemporary interpretations, while Bali Aga cultural traditions continue to be preserved and introduced to new audiences.
For tourists and local residents alike, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the richness of Balinese culture directly from the communities that keep it alive.
This year, the participation of artists with disabilities added another meaningful dimension to that experience, demonstrating that creativity, expression and cultural pride can be shared by everyone.
