Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. Renowned Balinese artist and ethnomusicology Prof. I Made Bandem performed the traditional Topeng Dalem Arsa Wijaya mask dance at the Nusantara Arts Festival held at Tukad Bindu, Denpasar,  Bali on Sunday (28/7/2024)

At nearly 80 years old, Prof. Bandem showcased this classic Balinese dance to celebrate his long standing connection to the art form, as reported by antaranews.com.

“In this festival, I wish to relive my past as a dancer and teacher,” he said, reflecting on his career and contributions to Balinese arts.

The festival, organized by the ITB STIKOM Bali, featured performances from various regions of Indonesia, including Java, Solo, and Sunda. Prof. Bandem’s performance was particularly significant as he used a historical mask—a gift from the last King of Bangli to his parents in 1956.

Bandem, a former chairman of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta and founder of Yayasan Widya Dharma Shanti, hoped to inspire love for traditional arts and unity through such cultural events. 

ITB STIKOM Bali’s Rector, Dr. Dadang Hermawan, emphasized the festival’s goal to blend academic and cultural engagement, planning future events across Bali.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)