Collaboration between the International Relations Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Udayana University and SMKN 1 Sukawati: “Dissemination of Balinese Art and Cultural Identity as Indonesia’s National Image” at SMKN 1 Suk

• Posted by: Admin
• Rabu, 12 November 2025
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Gianyar, Wednesday, 12 November 2025

The International Relations Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Udayana University, in collaboration with SMKN 1 Sukawati, conducted an outreach session for Grade X and XI students of SMKN 1 Sukawati under the theme “Balinese Art and Cultural Identity as Indonesia’s National Image.”

This activity represents one form of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly Community Service. It was held at SMKN 1 Sukawati, located in Gianyar, Bali—one of the regencies in Bali well established in the development of arts and culture. This is reflected in the strong artistic and cultural traditions rooted across generations.

The program also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. A total of 75 students from SMKN 1 Sukawati participated in the event.

The event began with opening remarks from the Principal of SMKN 1 Sukawati, Mr. I Putu Puspaya, S.Pd., M.Pd., who stated that this outreach activity by the International Relations Program of FISIP Udayana serves as motivation for students. As learners studying the arts, understanding the role of art in national and international contexts is highly beneficial.

“Artists who are able to create works and bring them to the international stage achieve something extraordinary, and you all here have the potential to become one of them,” he said in his speech.

He also emphasized the importance of understanding political contexts and international relations, as art and culture are among the mediums capable of connecting nations. He expressed hope that this activity would provide meaningful benefits for the students of SMKN 1 Sukawati.

The outreach featured three speakers who are lecturers, art practitioners, and entrepreneurs from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Udayana University.

The first speaker, Mr. Adi P. Suwecawangsa, S.IP., M.A., a lecturer in the International Relations Program, explained the concept of national image and how Balinese arts and culture function as soft power in building Indonesia’s image internationally. He also emphasized the importance of understanding boundaries within arts and culture, including the individuality of artists, originality of works, and artistic and cultural ethics.

The second speaker, Mr. AA. Bagus Surya Widya Nugraha, S.IP., M.Si., also a lecturer in the International Relations Program, explained how the younger generation in Bali needs to shift their mindset to “think locally, act globally.” He encouraged students to become part of a generation capable of promoting Balinese arts and culture as a strength to attract tourists, while also paying attention to the sustainability of tourism in Bali.

The third speaker, Mr. I Kadek Rian Prayana, S.A.P., M.A.P., a lecturer in the Public Administration Program, explained that Balinese dance developed from movements inspired by nature (animals and plants). He described its various functions: as a sacred ritual medium (Wali), as a ceremonial complement (Bebali), and as public entertainment (Balih-balihan). He also elaborated on the essence of performances in Bali, which are rooted in religious values (yadnya, bhakti, taksu), harmony (tri hita karana), and communal values (manyama braya).

This outreach aimed to increase students’ awareness that the arts and culture they are currently studying hold significant power and impact within the context of Bali and Indonesia’s national image.

It is hoped that the participating students will fully understand the material presented and recognize their individual potential as part of shaping Indonesia’s national image.

The Head of the International Relations Study Program at FISIP Udayana, Ni Wayan Rainy Priadarsini, expressed hope that collaborations such as this will be beneficial for students and can be replicated and continued in other schools.

Another lecturer in attendance, Ni Wayan Wahyuni, S.H.Int., M.A., who served as Chair of the Community Service Activity, also expressed hope that students studying arts and culture at SMKN 1 Sukawati will broaden their perspectives and knowledge, and recognize the opportunities within the sector they are engaged in.

“Collaboration between universities and schools is a very important and beneficial form of partnership, serving as an implementation of knowledge transfer from experts in their respective fields to younger students.”

The students of SMKN 1 Sukawati welcomed the activity enthusiastically. Their enthusiasm was evident in their active participation during the question-and-answer session, as well as in completing the pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The results of the post-test questionnaire showed that 90% of participants understood the material presented and gained greater knowledge about how arts and culture can be utilized as tools to build Indonesia’s national image on the international stage.