BANGLI, Bali (BPN) – In a strategic bid to maintain its prestigious position within Indonesia’s Top 100 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), the highly anticipated Penglipuran Village Festival (PVF) officially kicked off on Thursday (July 9, 2026).
The 13th edition of the festival, which stands as a flagship event for the renowned Penglipuran Tourism Village in Bangli Regency, is set to run until December 2026.
This year, the festival adopts the forward-thinking theme that focuses on Inclusive, Sustainable, and Regenerative Tourism.
This year’s festival marks a significant departure from previous iterations. While the opening ceremony has traditionally been held in the restricted space in front of the temple at the northern end of the village, organizers shifted the 2026 inaugural events to the more expansive Penglipuran Heroes Cemetery area.
This spacious new venue allowed local residents, domestic and international tourists, and VIP guests to immerse themselves in the festivities comfortably, avoiding the overcrowding of previous years.
The festival commenced with a vibrant cultural parade featuring the village’s youth and women carrying local agricultural produce—the literal and symbolic lifeblood of the Penglipuran community.
The event also showcases traditional art performances, authentic local culinary delights, and indigenous handicraft products.
During his opening remarks, the Custom Chief (Kelian Adat) of Penglipuran, I Wayan Budiarta, retraced the village’s remarkable journey to becoming a world-class travel destination.
He emphasized that long before Penglipuran gained global tourism fame, the community held an unwavering commitment to its traditions, culture, and customary laws (awig-awig).
According to Budiarta, Penglipuran first caught the public eye in 1990, when community service (KKN) students from Udayana University began promoting the area. By 1993, the Bangli Regency Government officially designated Penglipuran as a certified tourism village.
“Since that moment, our tourism management has been entirely community-based,” Budiarta stated.
A pivotal transformation occurred in 2012. The local community, which had previously acted merely as passive attractions for visitors, shifted to become active drivers of the local tourism economy by establishing homestays, managing cultural attractions, and curating visitor services.
“We are no longer just an object to be looked at, but the subjects and active players in tourism, just as you see today,” he added.
This continuous innovation and cultural preservation have earned Penglipuran numerous accolades. These include the prestigious national Kalpataru environmental award, global recognition as one of the cleanest villages in the world, and being named one of the world’s best tourism destinations in 2023.
“Penglipuran is not merely a tourist spot; it is a living museum—an entity that is truly alive and completely at one with nature,” Budiarta explained.
He further noted that the Penglipuran Village Festival is deeply rooted in the village’s customary regulations (awig-awig). It serves as a vital platform for promotional marketing, cultural preservation, and a collective expression of gratitude for the community’s ongoing achievements.
Reflecting on the village’s success, Tourism Ministry’s Assistant Deputy for Amenities, Dwi Marhen Yono, praised Bangli Regency for its unique ability to foster world-class tourism despite being entirely landlocked.
“I used to know Kintamani well, but not Bangli or Penglipuran—much like foreigners who know Bali but aren’t familiar with Indonesia as a whole. We highly hope that Bangli’s tourism will continue to thrive,” Yono expressed.
Penglipuran Tourism Village stands as a prime blueprint for Indonesian tourism development, successfully operating on the traditional Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony between humans, God, and nature).
Yono highlighted that global travel trends have evolved significantly. Modern travelers are no longer just seeking scenic landscapes; they are increasingly drawn to authentic culture, culinary heritage, high-quality events like the PVF, and value-driven tour packages.
“Penglipuran has proven its caliber by securing its place in the Top 100 Karisma Event Nusantara for the fourth time. Earning this nomination is no small feat, given that hundreds of regions across the country compete fiercely to make this list,” Yono concluded.
, the highly anticipated Penglipuran Village Festival (PVF) officially kicked off on Thursday (July 9, 2026).){kind=link}