Young Delegates from 13 Nations

Global Youth Forum Visits Manik Empul Indigenous School in Pedawa

SINGARAJA, NusaBali – A group of young people from various countries, part of the Global Youth Forum, visited Pedawa Village in Banjar District, Buleleng, on Thursday (July 24).

The visit focused on Sekolah Adat Manik Empul, where participants observed first-hand how the local Indigenous community preserves its cultural heritage.

Image Source: tatkala.co 

From 13 Different Countries

The youth delegates came from 13 countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Peru, Myanmar, India, Bolivia, Brazil, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, and Argentina. Their presence was warmly welcomed by the local Indigenous community. The event was made possible through a collaboration between Sekolah Adat Manik Empul and Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara (BPAN).

A Chance to Engage in Cultural Exchange

In his welcome speech, Wayan Sudiastika, Head of the Pedawa Indigenous Village, described the event as a significant moment — not only for introducing Pedawa’s culture to an international audience but also for building self-confidence and cross-cultural communication skills among the village’s youth.

"This is a valuable opportunity for Pedawa Village and its young generation to appear on the global stage, introducing the uniqueness of Bali Aga culture which has so far been hidden from the spotlight" he said.

The program continued with a discussion and cultural exchange session. Participants from each country spontaneously showcased their traditional dances. In return, Pedawa’s youth shared local traditions such as basic Balinese dance movements, canang-making, and traditional games.

Image Source: tatkala.co 

Explore Pedawa

The Global Youth Forum participants were also invited to explore key cultural sites across Pedawa. They observed the traditional process of making palm sugar, visited the Bandung Rangki traditional houses, and witnessed a local water conservation project in the Kayuan Gelunggang area. The entire tour was guided by students of Sekolah Adat Manik Empul, who served as cultural ambassadors and provided explanations along the way.

Manik Empul Indigenous School

I Wayan Sadyana, Head of Sekolah Adat Manik Empul, said that the school aims to demonstrate how it implements various cultural preservation programs — from conservation to inventorying and revitalization of Pedawa’s traditions.

"We are trying to explain as well as show the various programs we have carried out in the process of studying and preserving the culture of Pedawa to the participants of this Global Youth Forum" he said.

Founded in 2024, Sekolah Adat Manik Empul is the first Indigenous school in Bali. It was established in response to the concern among Pedawa youth about the rapid cultural changes happening in their village. Since its founding, the school has moved quickly to safeguard nearly extinct cultural heritage.

Dances brought back to life

One of its major achievements has been the successful revitalization of three sacred Rejang dances that had not been performed for over 50 years. These dances — Rejang Sirigkuri, Rejang Kepet, and Rejang Pengecek Galuh — were brought back to life after a dedicated process of research and training, culminating in a performance during the Saba Ngelemekin ceremony at Pura Bingin on January 15, 2025.

The visit from the Global Youth Forum is hoped to inspire and empower other Indigenous communities, both in Bali and beyond, to continue protecting and breathing new life into their local cultures.

Source: https://www.nusabali.com/berita/197817/pemuda-dari-13-negara-kunjungi-sekolah-adat-manik-empul-di-pedawa