The Powerful Indonesia Festival is a 2023 brand campaign of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, with focus on multidisciplinary partnerships, cultural experiences, an empowerment program involving educational institutions, sustainable activations, and a development platform for people with disabilities.

World Premiere Dunia Saat Mata Terpejam (The World When Your Eyes Closed): The Awakening Concert

To celebrate Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day, The Apurva Kempinski Bali showcased a musical masterpiece on 17 August 2023 titled “World Premiere Dunia Saat Mata Terpejam (The World When Your Eyes Closed): The Awakening Concert” at the illustrious Pendopo Lobby.

This unforgettable musical journey is a collaboration between Aksan Sjuman, the award-winning musician, teaming up with the visionary Indonesian designer and artist Raul Renanda, alongside the masterful craftsmanship of Saniharto Enggalhardjo, a renowned leader in crafting custom, high-end, state-of-the-art furniture.

Aksan Sjuman delivered his mastery of musical expression, showcasing eight captivating compositions in his album “Dunia Saat Mata Terpejam. The harmonious melodies took listeners to a world where sound becomes emotion. Each track carries liberation, autonomy, and creative expression, embodying the spirit of awakening.

The melodies reveal the composer’s life journey, enriched by influences from musicians like Jonny Greenwood and Benjamin Woodgates, with hints of the Polyphony style reminiscent of Bach.

Furthermore, this musical masterpiece is supported by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including Indra Lesmana and SB Acoustics. Aksan Sjuman led the orchestra, guiding the audience on an enthralling musical journey with the mesmerising melodies produced by the Sjuman + Renanda The Awakening Grand Concert Piano.

Book Launch of Prosa Gerilya by Andre Syahreza

Another highlight of the Powerful Indonesia Festival was the book launch of ‘Prosa Gerilya’ by Andre Syahreza on 17 August 2023. The book explores the heroic legacy of I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a source of inspiration for generations, and celebrates his invaluable contributions to Bali’s rich history.

Andre Syahreza, a respected Indonesian author renowned for works like ‘Black Interview’ and ‘City of Fiction,’ began his career as a freelance journalist in Bali and played a role in creating Latitudes, an English-language cultural studies magazine situated in Denpasar, Bali.

He consistently delved into new subjects within Smart Tourism and Tourism Digitalisation topics. For two years in a row, he received the Anugerah Pewarta Wisata Indonesia award from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy for his articles in Colours magazine, such as ‘Semarang’ (2019) and ‘Going North’ (2018).

Adding to the excitement, the book launch event had a special guest star, Dee Lestari, one of Indonesia’s most famous authors. She debuted with the serial novel ‘Supernova’ in 2001 and has become immensely popular. She has received Indonesia’s prestigious Book of The Year Award twice and won the Indonesia Reader’s Choice Award in the ‘Favourite Author’ and ‘Favourite Book’ categories.

At the cultural celebration, Frischa Aswarani, a versatile figure known for her poetry, hosting, and broadcasting, also joined in. She is a multifaceted personality, renowned poet, presenter and broadcaster. Frischa’s diverse talents extend to journalistic works, academic research, essays, poetry, and short stories. Her literary accomplishments have led to speaking engagements at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival and cultural discussions at Publika, Kuala Lumpur.

Kempinski Bali Presents Harmony in Diversity: A 65-Year Celebration of Indonesia and Japan

Finally, on 18 August 2023, The Apurva Kempinski Bali hosted an exclusive fashion show in collaboration with Torang Sitorus, embracing cultural appreciation through exquisite craftsmanship. This event also marked a significant milestone: the 65-year diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Japan.

Hailing from North Sumatra, Torang Sitorus showcased his ingenious creations, combining the grace of Japanese silk with his inventive approach to Ulos, an emblematic Indonesian textile.

With 25 years of mastery, he weaved sustainability and innovation into every piece, using Japan’s ‘silky cotton bemberg’ threads from cottonseeds. The vibrant hues were derived from natural dyes like jolawe leaves, sappan wood, jackfruit wood, leaves extract, true indigo, mahogany fiber, and gambier.

Interestingly, Torang discovered softer shades for Ulos while experimenting with textile dyeing wastewater. These shades, reminiscent of the original modest colors of Ulos, known as marhilong, are favoured for traditional ceremonies such as weddings.

This collection’s exhibition at The Apurva Kempinski Bali continued the celebration of Indonesia and Japan’s 65-year diplomatic relationship following Indonesia’s Independence Day. Vincent Guironnet, the General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, expressed their honour to be part of this cultural bridge-building journey, highlighting the power of art in connecting and uniting cultures.

For more information, please visit The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s official homepage and social media.

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Address: Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Instagram: @kempinskibali

Tel: +62 361 2092288