Apurva Kempinski and BRI stage Powerful Indonesia Festival 2026

Nusa Dua — The Apurva Kempinski Bali and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) hosted the two-day Powerful Indonesia Festival 2026 at the resort’s Candi Ballroom on 16–17 August, combining cultural performances, Indonesian cuisine, artisan talks and demonstrations, and a creative market featuring local makers and brands. The organisers stated that the programme was open to the public.

The festival marked Indonesia’s 81st Independence anniversary and formed part of the resort’s annual Powerful Indonesia: Spice Route Legacy campaign, which explores how historic maritime routes connected communities and civilisations while carrying ideas, beliefs, knowledge and craftsmanship across the archipelago. The second edition of the festival was positioned as an immersive tribute to the nation’s heritage and cultural plurality, presented in partnership with BRI.

The event was framed as both a cultural programme and a showcase for Indonesia’s creative economy, highlighting BRI’s support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its collaboration with the resort. The two-day schedule brought together a creative market, art exhibitions, artisan talks, live demonstrations and music performances.

• Venue: Candi Ballroom, The Apurva Kempinski Bali
• Dates: 16–17 August 2026
• Creative market: Around 20 artisans and Indonesian brands
• Public access: Programme open to the public with complimentary admission

Conservation, art and live demonstrations

One of the programme’s environmental segments was an “Environment & Artisan Talk” with Biorock Indonesia, a non-profit organisation involved in coral-reef restoration and community-based marine conservation. According to the event schedule, the session highlighted Biorock’s reef-restoration work and featured Putu Winata, a Balinese contemporary artist whose paintings were presented in connection with Biorock’s marine projects.

The artworks were described by the resort and partner media as a tribute to Indonesia’s marine heritage and to figures associated with community-based conservation efforts. The festival also hosted an artisan talk and live demonstration by Black Hand Gang Studio, described in the event programme as a pioneering Indonesian commercial printmaking studio, focusing on contemporary printmaking techniques.

The creative market placed emphasis on design-led products, textile traditions and sustainable craftsmanship. Exhibitors listed in the festival materials included TSDC Bali, Liyan Indonesia, Tenun Tinizhop, Larose, Six Scents, The Bless Shop, Tutu & Co., Griya Anyar Dewata, Indah Mutiara Lombok, Racheli Indonesia, Secret Potion, Micawork, Rosita Batik Shibori, Soloputri Indonesia, Kunang Jewelry, Sari Merta Silver, Namaste 21 Handmade and Nahdi Jewelry.

Music, food and public programme

The performance schedule opened with a theatrical Nusantara presentation by Pancer Langit, a Bali-based collective that combines traditional instruments and vocal traditions with contemporary composition. The festival programme also listed performances by Nada 1928, Nyonya Ayu and DJs Halim Ardie, Masayu, Rika Yuniorika and Nicodemus at various times over the two days.

According to the resort’s announcement and event listing, chefs prepared Indonesian dishes throughout the festival, pairing regional flavours with the music, art and craft activities in the ballroom. The 16 August programme included a ceremonial tribute and appreciation session for Indonesian veterans, held to recognise their service and contribution to the country’s history.

Vincent Guironnet, general manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, said in the resort’s press release that the festival’s second edition was designed to support artisans and MSMEs while honouring Indonesian culture and veterans. The resort and ticketing information invited the public to attend, noting complimentary admission and daily opening hours from 10:00 to 20:00.

Context

The 2026 festival continued the resort’s Powerful Indonesia campaign following what it described as the success of previous celebrations. The Spice Route Legacy theme presents Indonesia’s maritime history through contemporary experiences that combine gastronomy, conservation, art, craft and cultural encounters, including the Spice Route Voyage programme developed with Yacht Sourcing as part of the 2026 campaign.

The festival’s blend of cultural programming, conservation talks and creative-market activities was positioned as a way for visitors to engage with the people and stories behind Indonesia’s cultural landscape.

Sources

• Kempinski Hotels – Powerful Indonesia Festival 2026 event page
• Media Indonesia – The Apurva Kempinski Bali Gelar Powerful Indonesia Festival 2026, Rayakan Budaya dan Kreativitas Nusantara
• epicure Magazine – Powerful Indonesia Festival 2026: The Independence Day Celebration at The Apurva Kempinski Bali
• Megatix – Powerful Indonesia Festival 2026 event page
• RM.id Rakyat Merdeka