Sleman (MAN 3 Sleman) – The richness of Balinese culture became a meaningful learning experience for students of MAN 3 Sleman during an educational visit to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, Badung, Bali, on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (WITA). The activity was part of the GALAKSI 2026 program, designed to broaden students’ cultural perspectives through direct and immersive experiences.
As one of Indonesia’s prominent cultural landmarks, GWK is widely recognized not only for the grandeur of its iconic statue of Lord Vishnu riding Garuda, but also for its role as a center for cultural education and artistic preservation. The statue is inspired by Hindu mythology, symbolizing protection, devotion, and moral responsibility. GWK represents harmony between humanity, nature, and spiritual values, making it an ideal venue for contextual cultural learning.
The highlight of the visit was the Kecak Dance performance, a traditional Balinese art form known for its powerful choral chanting performed by dozens of male dancers without musical instruments. Developed in the early 20th century, the Kecak Dance narrates episodes from the Ramayana, conveying moral lessons, spirituality, and the strength of collective unity. Performed against the backdrop of the evening sky, the show offered a dramatic and reflective atmosphere for the students.
The performance left a strong impression on many participants. Keyla, one of the students of MAN 3 Sleman, shared her experience after watching the dance.
“Watching the Kecak Dance live at GWK was truly impressive. I could feel the spiritual atmosphere and the depth of Balinese culture. This experience made me appreciate traditional Indonesian arts even more,” she said.
Meanwhile, accompanying teacher Rafflesia Yasin emphasized the educational value of the visit.
“Cultural visits like this provide meaningful learning beyond the classroom. Students gain a deeper understanding of history, philosophy, and cultural values that are essential for character building,” she explained.
Throughout the activity, students showed great enthusiasm, attentively observing the performance and engaging in reflections on the cultural messages conveyed. The visit to GWK and the Kecak Dance performance served as an integrative learning experience, combining education, cultural appreciation, and character development.
Through this activity, MAN 3 Sleman hopes that students will continue to develop a strong appreciation for Indonesia’s cultural heritage and cultivate a sense of responsibility to preserve and uphold the nation’s rich artistic traditions in the future. (fiq)
Kontributor: M. Taufikurohman
Editor: Esti Nurjanah
