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Thu, 27 Mar 2025
JIMBARAN – Hundreds of spectators gathered at Widiatmika School on March 25, 2025, to witness the 2025 Cultural Parade, an annual celebration that combined tradition with a strong environmental message. The rhythmic sound of the baleganjur, the vibrant colors of ogoh-ogoh made from recycled materials, and the powerful performance of Baruna Murti created an unforgettable experience.
This parade was not merely a cultural celebration; it was a tangible expression of Widiatmika School’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness, preserving nature’s balance, and promoting Balinese cultural heritage among young generations. With the theme Amuk Kaning Pertiwi (Nature's Wrath), the event served as a reflection on the consequences of human actions on the environment.
Ananta Victorious Octabrian, Chairperson of the 2025 Widiatmika Cultural Parade, emphasized that this event has grown to become one of the school's largest annual occasions. Beyond entertainment, it is an educational platform designed to instill local wisdom and environmental consciousness in students and the community.
“Through this parade, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the balance of our ecosystem. Amuk Kaning Pertiwi symbolizes the wrath of nature when humans exploit and damage it. By using art and culture as a medium, we hope this message resonates deeply,” Ananta explained.
A highlight of the parade was the performance of Baruna Murti, a story derived from Balinese Hindu mythology. It narrates the tale of Dewa Baruna, the god of the sea, who confronts nature's fury caused by human greed and environmental destruction. Performed by students from all levels, from early childhood to senior high school, the play captivated the audience with its elegant choreography and emotionally charged portrayal of the story’s moral lessons.
The ecological message of Baruna Murti became even more evident as the ogoh-ogoh procession followed. Each ogoh-ogoh served as a symbolic representation of nature’s anger, reminding viewers of the environmental consequences of human exploitation. The parade route stretched from the Widiatmika Elementary and Junior High Schools to the front of the Bali Paragon Resort Hotel, before returning to the school grounds.
A total of eight ogoh-ogoh were showcased, including three large ones, one medium-sized, and four smaller ones. Uniquely, all were crafted from recycled materials like cardboard, plastic, and fabric scraps. The entire creation process involved students from various levels collaborating to transform waste into meaningful artistic expressions. The different sizes of the ogoh-ogoh symbolized the varying impacts of ecological imbalance.
“By using recycled materials to build the ogoh-ogoh, we aim to instill an eco-friendly mindset in our students. This Cultural Parade is not just about preserving traditions; it’s also a form of environmental education,” added Ananta.
He expressed hope that the 2025 Widiatmika Cultural Parade would inspire greater environmental consciousness, foster pride in local culture, and strengthen the spirit of togetherness and collaboration.
“Through this event, we aim to pass down the values of local wisdom while building awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. If the younger generation can understand this early on, we believe a greener, more sustainable Bali can be realized,” he concluded.
By merging tradition with environmental awareness, the 2025 Widiatmika Cultural Parade once again demonstrated that education is not only about theory but also about taking real-world action to create a generation that is conscious, cultured, and empowered.
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