As reported by the State News Agency Antara, Bali Governor Wayan Koster is preparing a formal written invitation to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to officiate at the opening of the 48th Bali Arts Festival (PKB-2026).
Speaking on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, Governor Koster said: “I have discussed this with the Deputy Governor, and we are processing an invitation letter asking the President to agree to open the PKB. Hopefully, the President has time.”
Governor Koster sees an opportunity for President Prabowo to attend the PKB, because of plans for the President to visit Bali to discuss designating the Province of Bali as an International Financial Center (IFC).
“The President will visit Bali. I have received a telephone call from Jakarta – from Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in connection with preparing Bali to become an international financial center,” commented Koster.
The Provincial Government of Bali views the Central Government’s plans to make the Island an international financial center favorably. Meanwhile, major business leaders from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, among others, have expressed interest in relocating to Bali, which they collectively view as a safe and secure destination.
Koster explains that this is an excellent opportunity for Bali because it indicates that the Central Government is preparing the province to become a center of excellence in international finance.
”We will discuss Bali as an international financial center with the team to ensure these plans will truly benefit the region and the people of Bali. Hopefully, if the President comes to Bali, we can coordinate these matters,” said Governor Koster.
The opening of the Bali Arts Festival itself will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Generally, the president and delegates from the central government will attend the peed aya parade by thousands of artists in front of the Bali People’s Struggle Monument (MPRB) in Renon, and then open the PKB in the evening at the Taman Budaya Art Center.
”However, we will discuss this (international financial center) with the team to ensure it truly benefits the region and the people of Bali. Hopefully, if he comes to Bali, we can coordinate,” said Governor Koster.
The opening of the Bali Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
In the past, the Indonesian President and other representatives of the Central Government attended the “peed aya” – opening parade presented by thousands of artists at the Bali People’s Struggle Monument (MPRB) in Renon, and then the President opened the PKB in the evening at the Taman Budaya Art Center.
Governor Koster stated that if President Prabowo is unable to attend, the Bali Provincial Government will continue to ensure the smooth operation of the month-long 2026 PKB. Adding: “If he is unable to attend Bali, perhaps the President will assign his ministers to attend. We are ready to accept whoever the President assigns to attend the opening of the Bali Arts Festival.”
At the last Bali Arts Festival, 3,430 artists participated, including 500 artists from Gianyar, 250 artists from Jembrana, 300 artists from Klungkung, 300 artists from Karangasem, 380 artists from Tabanan, 380 artists from Bali Province, 400 artists from Badung, 300 artists from Bangli, 300 artists from Buleleng, and 400 artists from Denpasar.
The 2026 PKB, which runs for one month from 13 June until July 11, 2026, is expected to attract some 20,929 artists from 673 organizations.
Related Links
Bali Governor Koster Assures Bali is Safe
World Bank: Bali Facing Five Main Challenges
Escalating Overtourism in Bali
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update
