The Breeding Grounds of the Begawan Foundation
Beginning with a mission to conserve the critically-endangered Bali starling, over the years the Begawan Foundation has itself grown alongside the population of Bali’s endemic bird. Their operations centred in Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, have become breeding grounds, not only for starlings, but for youth education and regenerative farming programs, all of which work in synergy
Ramadan, and the Upholding of Tolerance in Bali
The holy month of Ramadan begins on 23 March. So, it is a perfect occasion to ponder about the way religious tolerance functions (or mis-functions) in Bali. I am using these two words because it is part of conventional wisdom – or rather of conventional politics —to assess that religious tolerance is a given reality.
I Made Bandem: Bali’s Effervescent Dance Maestro & International Cultural Ambassador
“To become a good dancer, first you must become a good person,” I Made Bandem said to me. Balinese dance virtuoso and scholar Prof. Dr Bandem radiates charm and youthful enthusiasm as he shares his father’s most valuable advice. “The three cultural pathways to becoming a good person are known as Tri Kaya Parisudha: manacika
Mission Paws’ible: For the Love of Dogs
Driven by their love of animals, Mission Paws’ible has been, well, on a mission to change the fate of Bali’s many uncared-for cats and dogs. Taking a holistic approach to their work that engages communities as well as directly caring for these animals, the organisation is slowly building a long-term solution that ensures their welfare.
Duality & the Commercialisation of the Spirit
The commercialisation of Eastern spirituality began in the USA. “In America is the place, the people, the opportunity for everything new,” wrote Swami Vivekananda before he left India in 1893. Vivekananda had learned from his guru, Sri Ramakrishna, that the world’s religions “are but various phases of one eternal religion”, and the spiritual essence could
Bali’s New Year Resolutions
This article is available as a Podcast episode. Listen here: 2022 was an important year of recovery for Bali and, with a sigh of relief, we can see that the economy has bounced back and that the business, communities and individuals are not only surviving, but thriving! How far we have come from the desperate
BASAbali: The Journey to Digitise the Balinese Language
BASABali – a registered foundation in Indonesia and non-profit in USA – are a collective of linguists, anthropologists, students and communicators who are driven by the same mission: to ensure the continuation of the Balinese language. Alissa J. Stern, Founder of BASAbali; and Ni Nyoman Clara Listya Dewi, Head of Communications for BASAbali and a
Nurturing the Next Generation of Indonesian Coffee Farmers
When the pandemic brought Bali’s tourism industry to a standstill, Mika, 29, left his job in guest services at a resort and returned to his home village of Pajahan in the island’s central-west highlands. After 11 years of working in the tourism sector — which accounts for more than half of Bali’s economy — he
War, Art and Peace: Bali as an Example of Balance for World Leaders
Bali is Indonesia’s window to the world. This role comes into full bloom with more and more global events taking place on the island, such as the the IMF and G20 summits. Whilst Bali participates in international affairs, on the other side of the coin, the world, too, participates in Bali’s affairs. In fact, Bali’s
A Reminder: Bali Bomb Survivor
I can vaguely remember the way the policemen blocked the access to Kuta in 2002. There’s been a bombing, they said. Whilst I remember the day, my memory is nothing compared to those directly impacted, or even indirectly, by the events of that fateful day. Once a year, on 12 October, they commemorate the tragedy
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is an Experience Beyond Books
From 27 to 30 October 2022, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) will take over Bali’s cultural capital for its 19th year running. There will be 150 storytellers — from writers and poets to activists and musicians — descending upon Ubud over the four days, all of whom will feature on over 50 panels,
Weaving the Ocean: Art Installation Turns Discarded Plastic Ropes into Refined Tapestry
The Coral Triangle Center (CTC), a Bali-based environmental NGO, has unveiled ‘Weaving the Ocean’, an art installation and exhibition by Indonesian artist, Ari Bayuaji, showcased at their Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur. The Coral Triangle Center has always made it its mission to continuously educate people about the oceans, and how to preserve and
A Message from Janet DeNeefe: Founder & Director of Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Dear Readers, The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we view and experience literature and community. It has reminded us of the deep value, and essential effect creative programming has on our society. It also challenged thousands of arts organizations like never before. At the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, we wanted to ensure we continued