FIB Unud Holds “Reincarnation of Culture” to Preserve and Develop Cultural Values

Denpasar – The Student Senate of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Udayana University, held the 13th Reinkarnasi Budaya (Reincarnation of Culture) event in 2025, carrying the theme “Swara Bayuning Adiluhung”. The event took place at the Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Widya Sabha Mandala Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Udayana University, Denpasar, on Friday (October 31, 2025). It was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Ir. I Nengah Sujaya, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., on behalf of the Rector of Udayana University, marked by the symbolic installation of Wayang Sutasoma to inaugurate the 13th Reinkarnasi Budaya.

In her report, Chairperson of the Committee Ni Kadek Karista Denianti explained that Reinkarnasi Budaya — an acronym for Revolution, Inspiration, and Creativity of Literature Students as Cultural Beings — is one of the annual flagship programs organized by the Department of Education and Culture under the Student Senate of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Udayana University.

“As part of FIB Unud, we have a moral responsibility to preserve and develop cultural values that shape our identity, especially as Balinese people. Therefore, the 13th Reinkarnasi Budaya 2025 serves as a platform for young generations to express their interests and talents, as well as an appreciation for art and literature — both of which are integral parts of our ancestral heritage that must be preserved amid the tide of globalization,” she stated.

The series of events for Reinkarnasi Budaya XIII 2025 included: a technical meeting held on October 26, 2025, at FIB Unud Denpasar; the opening ceremony and Nala Cintya Mani 8 Cultural Talk on October 31, 2025, at the same venue; a series of competitions from November 2 to November 9, 2025 — including Bapang Barong Buntut and Mekendang Tunggal contests on November 2 at SMK Negeri 3 Sukawati, Truna Jaya Dance and poetry reading competitions on November 7 at FIB Unud Denpasar, and a Rindik music contest on November 9 at FIB Unud Denpasar. The closing ceremony and grand finale will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Uma Dewi Barong and Kecak Dance Kesiman building.

She expressed hope that the entire Reinkarnasi Budaya XIII series would run smoothly, successfully, and bring benefits to participants and the wider community. “May this event not only serve as an appreciation of art and literature but also as a space for the younger generation to continue preserving and revitalizing Balinese cultural values amid the dynamics of modern times. Let us make this year’s Reinkarnasi Budaya a momentum to foster creativity, cultural pride, and collaboration for the progress of FIB Udayana University,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Student Senate of FIB Unud, I Nyoman Trika Sudhagamayana, said that when discussing culture, one cannot separate it from customs, literature, and language. “This event, organized by the Department of Education and Culture under the Student Senate, aims to encourage participants to critically engage with this year’s Bincang Budaya (Cultural Talk) theme: Representation of Culture on the Commercial Stage. We hope participants will be active, ask questions, and engage in discussions with the speakers. Following the Dean’s direction that our cultural generation should be international-minded, we have invited international speakers this year. In the future, we also hope to attract participants from outside Bali,” he said.

Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Dr. I Nyoman Aryawibawa, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., expressed his full appreciation and support for the event. “Thank you to the leadership and organizing committee for answering my challenge to elevate Reinkarnasi Budaya to a higher level. This is great for the visibility of Udayana University, FIB, and its Student Senate. I also extend my gratitude to the three speakers — Prof. I Nyoman Darma Putra, M.Litt., Ph.D., writer and Head of the Doctoral Program in Cultural Studies; Mr. Phillipe Augier, founder of Museum Pasifika Nusa Dua Bali; and Mr. Marlowe Bandem, founder of the Bali 1928 Archive Museum. This combination is excellent, as it provides diverse perspectives for the students to discuss and reflect upon — especially regarding cultural preservation amid today’s challenges, including AI,” he remarked.

In his remarks, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Ir. I Nengah Sujaya, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., warmly welcomed and highly appreciated the event, describing it as a valuable platform that provides young generations in Bali with opportunities to develop and sustain local arts and traditions amid globalization and modernization. “The chosen theme is very relevant, as it seeks to revive and rejuvenate declining cultural values. The event’s international dimension — featuring foreign experts — is also essential for enhancing recognition and advancing the internationalization of Udayana University,” he said.

He further expressed hope that the event would inspire brilliant ideas to support Bali’s policymakers in cultural preservation efforts. For future editions, he suggested expanding the event’s scope and audience — including inviting international students and granting them academic credit.