BIRF 2025 at Undiksha: Weaving Indonesia-Japan Cultural Collaboration

Singaraja, March 10, 2025 – The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) once again hosted an internationally acclaimed art festival through the Buleleng International Rhythm Festival (BIRF) 2025. This year’s event highlighted a cultural collaboration between Indonesia and Japan, featuring performances and workshops in partnership with Santhi Budaya Art Studio and the International Organization and Folk Art (IOV) UNESCO. 

Dean of FBS Undiksha, Drs. I Gede Nurjaya, M.Pd., who spearheaded the collaboration with IOV UNESCO, emphasized the significance of intercultural synergy in broadening artistic perspectives and strengthening international relations. He expressed hope that BIRF 2025 would serve as a bridge for broader cultural exchanges, enhancing mutual appreciation between nations.

Held at Wantilan FBS Undiksha, the festival opened with a mesmerizing performance of Jauk Manis, a traditional Balinese dance performed by FBS students, accompanied by the Sekaa Gayotra gamelan ensemble. The graceful movements of the dancers captivated the audience, including IOV UNESCO delegates and international students from the Netherlands.

Adding a Japanese cultural touch, the festival featured a high-energy performance by Kikuyo Musashi Kengoudaiko, a Japanese taiko drum ensemble composed of young musicians. Their dynamic rhythms and powerful drum beats thrilled the audience, offering a compelling display of Japan’s rich musical heritage. The festival also included a hands-on workshop, allowing participants to explore traditional Japanese musical instruments. 

Students from Undiksha’s Japanese Language Education Program further enriched the event with a traditional Japanese dance performance, reinforcing the festival’s central theme: connecting cultures through the arts.

In his speech, Undiksha’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Collaboration, Prof. Dr. Gede Rasben Dantes, underscored the importance of cultural festivals as platforms for cross-cultural interaction, fostering stronger international ties. He expressed hope that BIRF would continue to be a global stage for Indonesian artists. 

Andris Adhitra, a representative from IOV UNESCO, commended the festival’s success, stating that language and culture serve as bridges between civilizations. He emphasized the need for continuous intercultural exchanges to further strengthen international relationships through the arts.

As part of the festival, Undiksha and IOV UNESCO formalized a collaboration agreement, paving the way for broader opportunities in art and cultural development on a global scale.

With BIRF 2025 successfully held, Undiksha reaffirms its commitment to promoting cultural heritage and expanding its international networks through the arts. The festival is expected to become an annual tradition, further enriching global cultural exchanges in the years to come.