DENPASAR – The Makardhi Festival III 2025, hosted by the Bali Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar Bali), officially came to a close with a spectacular celebration on Friday evening (Sept 26) at the Watugunung Amphitheater. Since its opening on September 24, the festival has provided a platform for students from across study programs to showcase creativity, innovation, and solidarity through art, culture, and sustainable tourism.
Over three days, the festival featured a vibrant lineup of activities, including competitions, parades, artistic performances, fashion shows, and educational sessions highlighting sustainability. The enthusiasm of participants, combined with strong audience support, reflected the spirit of the academic community in celebrating creativity and togetherness.
In his remarks, Poltekpar Bali Director Dr. Drs. Ida Bagus Putu Puja, M.Kes., emphasized that the festival is more than just a competition—it is a real learning laboratory for students.
“Makardhi Festival is a laboratory of creativity that teaches the meaning of togetherness, leadership, and responsibility. It is an opportunity for students to express their identity while sharpening their sensitivity to sustainability values in tourism,” he said.
The closing night was filled with a diverse array of performances, from a traditional dalang show and the “Lotus” dance by Sanggar Naluri Manca to a sustainable fashion showcase by students and performances from Poltekpar Indonesia. A short movie screening and a musical drama by Teater Kini Berseri added depth to the evening, before the festivities culminated with a dazzling fireworks display over the Watugunung Amphitheater.
The highlight of the night was the awarding ceremony and the presentation of the rotating trophy for Makardhi Festival III. This year, Poltekpar Bali once again retained the prestigious honor. The presentation was met with cheers and applause, symbolizing the dedication and hard work of both students and faculty in achieving excellence.
The award also reaffirms Poltekpar Bali’s commitment to being a pioneer in hosting culture-based, sustainability-driven tourism events. “This festival must become an annual agenda that fosters pride while strengthening students’ identity as future tourism professionals with global competitiveness,” the Director added.
Festival Committee Chair I Putu Esa Widaharthana, SE., M.Sc., who also serves as Coordinator of the Convention and Event Management Program and Head of the Entrepreneurship Unit, underlined the significance of the festival as a valuable learning process for students. He stressed that the festival aligns with the institution’s mission of ensuring that Poltekpar Bali graduates are industry-ready.
Makardhi Festival III 2025 thus concluded on a high note. The spirit of togetherness, creativity, and innovation that emerged from the festival is expected to inspire even greater achievements in the years to come. (*)
