Implementing SDGs Through Cultural Approaches: Undiknas at the Bali Arts Festival 2024

Denpasar – In support of the Bali Arts Festival 2024, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (Undiknas) participated through its student activity units, Taksu Abhinaya and Bandha Iswari. On July 3, these units performed three captivating dances at Gedung Ksirarnawa, Taman Budaya Art Center. The highlight of their performance was the Fragmentari Widya Mahottama, which conveyed important messages about knowledge and life values.

The Fragmentari Widya Mahottama dance emphasized the importance of knowledge as a primary provision for living life. This performance illustrated that not everything deemed correct is always good for us. At the very least, humans must know what is appropriate to do. The main character in this dance is Gusti Ayu Rapeg, a Balinese woman who became a role model in her struggle against colonizers and in uplifting the roles of women, arts, and the economy in Bali.

Gusti Ayu Rapeg symbolizes spirit and determination. She teaches that knowledge and self-awareness are key to facing life’s challenges. Through her story, Undiknas aims to inspire the idea that every individual, whether male or female, has the potential to fight and make an impact on their surroundings.

Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, with its tagline “Techno Research-preneur,” demonstrates its commitment to creating intellectual generations active in technology, research, and entrepreneurship. This mission is reflected in various academic and extracurricular activities, including participation in the Bali Arts Festival. Undiknas continues to strive to shape students who are not only academically intelligent but also creative and innovative in various fields.

In the Fragmentari Widya Mahottama performance, the conceptor I Kadek Rian Prayana, S.A.P., M.A.P., who is also a lecturer at Undiknas, highlighted one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely gender equality. According to him, “There are no barriers between men and women, everyone deserves to fight in their life, everyone can inspire each other, and everyone deserves to be proud, both women and men.” This message is highly relevant in the context of sustainable development, where gender equality is one of the main pillars.

Gender equality is not only about providing equal rights for men and women but also about creating equal opportunities in various aspects of life. Through Fragmentari Widya Mahottama, we should realize the importance of appreciating the roles and contributions of every individual, regardless of gender.

Universitas Pendidikan Nasional’s participation in the Bali Arts Festival 2024 shows how culture can be an effective medium for education and inspiration. Through dance, important values such as knowledge, gender equality, and life’s struggles can be conveyed in a touching and impactful way. Art and culture have the power to bridge various differences and unite society in understanding and supporting common goals.

This Bali Arts Festival 2024 also serves as a moment for Universitas Pendidikan Nasional to demonstrate its commitment to supporting sustainable development goals through cultural approaches. Through the Fragmentari Widya Mahottama performance, not only is the beauty of dance showcased, but important messages about knowledge, gender equality, and the role of women in society are also conveyed.