Barong Regeneration and Superstar Festival 2025 Officially Opens, Promoting the Preservation of Balinese Arts and Culture at Taman Ayun Temple

MENGWI, BADUNG – The long-awaited annual event, the Barong Regeneration and Superstar Festival 2025, was officially opened at the Taman Ayun Temple complex in Mengwi, Badung Regency, on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Focused on preserving the art of Barong and nurturing young artists, this festival is a collaboration between Taman Ayun Tourist Attraction (DTW) and the Government of Badung Regency through the Tourism Office. A total of 21 participants in the Regeneration category and 10 participants in the Superstar category from various regencies and cities across Bali competed and enlivened the festival.

The opening ceremony was divided into two sessions. The afternoon session began with the inauguration of the Regeneration competition, dedicated to young participants as a tangible effort to cultivate future generations of Balinese Barong dancers and musicians from an early age.
The session was highlighted by the presence and remarks of the Vice Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, and also attended by Ida Cokorda Mengwi VIII, the Head of the Badung Tourism Office, and other distinguished guests. Their presence reflected the strong commitment of both central and regional governments, as well as the vital role of Puri Mengwi, in safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Barong.

In the evening, the atmosphere grew even livelier with the opening of the Superstar category, a stage for professional Barong artists and masters to showcase their skills in the Bapang Barong competition.
Representing the Regent of Badung, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Badung Regency officially opened this category. The event was also attended by Ida Cokorda Mengwi XIII, members of the Badung Regency DPRD from Mengwi district, the Head of the Badung Tourism Office, the Camat of Mengwi, the Mengwi Police Chief, and other notable guests. Their presence underscored that Bapang Barong is not merely entertainment, but also a valuable cultural and tourism asset for Badung.

This annual Bapang Barong competition has been consistently held at Taman Ayun Temple, one of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Sites.