Bali Governor Emphasizes 'Cultivating Superior and Integrity-Driven Human Resources' at Cultural Event

Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially opened the 33rd Utsawa Dharma Gita (UDG) Provincial Level Year 2026, held at the Ksirarnawa Building, Taman Budaya Province of Bali (Art Center), Denpasar. The event is scheduled to run for six days from September 11-16, 2026. Under the theme "Dharmagita Atmanam Dharma," the UDG Bali XXXIII 2026 is seen as a momentum to strengthen the preservation of Balinese literature, language, and culture, while simultaneously building superior and integrity-driven human resources for Bali. Governor Koster emphasized that UDG is not merely a competition but a vehicle for cultivating superior Balinese human resources, aligning with Bali's long-term development framework. Koster explained that the focus on superior human resources stems from his study of various research documents and books on Balinese civilization, from the ancient era to the present. He highlighted that the noble values within "Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali" (Maintaining the Sacredness of Balinese Land and Its People) reflect the superior character of the Balinese people, characterized by diligence, perseverance, tenacity, honesty, and prioritizing obligations over rights. "Why do I highlight superior Balinese human resources? Because I have read various research documents and books about Balinese civilization, from Ancient Bali to the development of Bali until now," Koster stated in his statement on Saturday (12/9/2026). He further explained that the values contained in Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali also originate from the treasury of Balinese literature and past civilization. It contains noble values that reflect the character of the Balinese people, which is superior. This character is reflected in attitudes of diligence, perseverance, tenacity, diligence, honesty, adherence to truth, and prioritizing obligations over demanding rights. "Balinese people are diligent, persistent, tenacious, diligent, honest, hold onto truth, and prioritize obligations over rights," he asserted. However, Koster acknowledged that the development of the times has brought various changes in the lives of the Balinese people. These changes have brought progress, but on the other hand, they have also brought challenges to the noble values that have long been the character of the Balinese people. He highlighted the emergence of various social problems such as dishonest behavior, corruption, and actions that do not reflect the politeness and character of the Balinese people. Despite this, Koster emphasized that such behaviors do not represent the majority of Balinese people. "Indeed, there has been a decline in Balinese politeness. Corruption has started to appear, there are naughty ones, there are bad ones. But there are not many like that. There are still many good people," he revealed. Therefore, he invited all elements of society to jointly rebuild the integrity of the Balinese people. This way, the noble values that were once part of the daily lives of the Balinese people can continue to be preserved and passed on to the next generation. According to him, the strengthening of character and integrity cannot be separated from the existence of the Balinese language, Balinese script, and Balinese literature. The three are an important part of the Balinese people's life ecosystem, which contains values, knowledge, and is also the identity of Balinese culture. "Balinese language and Balinese script are the ecosystem of Balinese life," said Koster. Through Utsawa Dharma Gita XXXIII, he hopes that the noble values contained in Balinese literature, language, and culture will not only be preserved in the form of ceremonial activities and competitions but can continue to live, be understood, and practiced in daily life. For information, the implementation of UDG Bali XXXIII Year 2026 also serves as a space for the younger generation and the Balinese community to develop their abilities in the field of Hindu literature and arts, strengthen their love for the Balinese language and script, and foster superior Balinese human resources who are intelligent, characterful, integrity-driven, and possess a strong identity. With the spirit of "Dharmagita Atmanam Dharma," UDG XXXIII is expected to further strengthen the existence of dharmagita as part of the life of the Balinese people, as well as become one of the foundations in maintaining the sustainability of Balinese civilization.