ibnchannel.id – Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, officially opened PICA Fest 2025 through a torch-lighting and curtain-opening ceremony at Niti Mandala Renon Field, Denpasar, on Thursday afternoon (July 24, 2025). The annual creative festival, now in its ninth edition, carries the spirit of cross-sector collaboration, the preservation of local culture, and the strengthening of the creative economy based on Bali’s local wisdom.
In his speech, Governor Koster expressed his highest appreciation to the PICA Fest organizers, who are predominantly young people. He emphasized the importance of providing space for youth to create and innovate while maintaining the cultural identity of Bali.
“I extend my gratitude to the organizers, most of whom are young people. I fully support this spirit because they are able to creatively present products based on Bali’s local wisdom in a beautiful and innovative way, keeping up with the times while remaining rooted in culture,” said Koster.
The Governor also extended special thanks to Bank Pembangunan Daerah (BPD) Bali as the main sponsor of the event. He stressed the importance of supporting BPD Bali as a regional financial institution with a strategic role in people-based economic development in Bali.
“Special thanks to the President Director of BPD. We must support BPD for our shared progress,” he added.
Koster believes that PICA Fest 2025 is a concrete example of empowering Balinese culture to support a competitive, value-added, and culturally rooted economic transformation. He also highlighted creativity as a primary strength amidst Bali’s limited natural resources.
“The Balinese are essentially undagi — experts, creators, artists — who are capable of innovation. The brain must work harder to produce value-added products that benefit the people and the region,” he explained.
Demonstrating his commitment to youth development and the creative economy, Koster granted the use of Niti Mandala Field for the festival free of charge.
“I’m giving this field for free because this event truly benefits the community. We are reviving it now after it paused last year due to my absence as governor. PICA Fest must be empowered and deliver significant economic impact,” he affirmed.
He invited all Balinese people, especially those from Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, and Tabanan, to attend and enliven PICA Fest.
“The target is 80,000 visitors over four days, 20,000 per day. Astungkara, it will be a success. Let’s support it together,” he urged.
A Modern Cultural Festival with Local Touch
Organized by PT Pica Berempat Belas, PICA Fest 2025 will take place over four days, from July 24 to 27, 2025. The festival aims to generate up to IDR 18 billion in economic activity with more than 80,000 visitors.
PICA Fest is known for transforming Bali’s traditional cultural heritage into a modern format that appeals to the younger generation. This year’s program features traditional performances such as Genjek, Liku, Rindik, and Joged Bumbung, presented alongside modern music and popular entertainment.
As this year’s festival icon, Singa Ambara Raja — a symbol of pride for the people of Buleleng — was chosen as the main emblem. The symbol represents strength, courage, and continuity — values that align with PICA Fest’s spirit of sustainability, much like the Bali Arts Festival (PKB).
Renowned Musicians Light Up the Stage
Over 100 performers are set to appear at PICA Fest 2025, including top names from the national and Balinese music scenes. Among them are Hindia, .Feast, Tipe X, Stand Here Alone, For Revenge X Stereowall, Ahmad Abdul, Yura Yunita, Superman is Dead, Kangen Band, The Adams, and Perunggu — who will share the stage with dozens of other local bands and Balinese artists.
These artists will perform together in an inclusive and vibrant collaboration, making PICA Fest a colorful cultural stage.
Community Collaboration & MSME Empowerment
In addition to music and culture, PICA Fest 2025 also strengthens the creative economy ecosystem through the involvement of various communities such as clothing, tattoo, e-sports, automotive, and running communities.
The MSME sector is given a special spotlight through the Arakultura program, a collaboration with the Bali Provincial Office of Cooperatives and SMEs. This initiative showcases arak (Balinese traditional liquor) in modern, aesthetic packaging, as a way of introducing local heritage to wider markets.
Environmental Commitment: A Low-Waste Festival
Ida Bagus Agung Brahmadiguna, CEO of PT Pica Berempat Belas, popularly known as Gus Tolet, emphasized that PICA Fest is not only focused on entertainment and the economy but also shows strong environmental awareness.
To that end, the PICA Waste Department was formed, collaborating with various environmental organizations such as Bersih-Bersih Bali, PPLH Bali, Tegeh Sari, ACS Ball, Pesona Plastik, and Daur Ulang.
Waste at the festival is strictly sorted into three categories: organic, inorganic, and residual. This initiative is part of efforts to make PICA Fest a sustainable and low-waste festival in Bali.
Governor Wayan Koster concluded his speech with high hopes that PICA Fest would continue to grow and become a modern cultural festival icon for Bali in the future.
“Congratulations and best wishes to PICA Fest 2025. May it bring the greatest possible benefits to the people of Bali,” he concluded.
After the opening ceremony, Governor Koster toured the PICA Fest venue, visiting the various stands. The man from Sembiran, Buleleng Regency, also tried on several pieces of locally designed clothing, including shirts and t-shirts.***
