Batuan wins Learning Village award in Gianyar

Gianyar — Desa Batuan in Sukawati, Gianyar, has won first place in the Learning Village category at the 2026 Innovation CitySEAM & Learning Village Award.

The award was initiated by Thailand’s Science and Technology Development Agency, the University of Phayao, Thailand’s National Innovation Agency, the National Economic and Social Development Council under Thailand’s Ministry of Education, EO SEPS and Bali Tourism Polytechnic. Batuan was one of two main winners in the category, alongside Baan Ton Haen Noi in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Don Prado in Phatthalung, Thailand, received second place.

Batuan was the only one of five Balinese villages nominated to become a winner. Desa Tua, Desa Celuk, Desa Kuku and Desa Tegaljadi received participation certificates.

Why the award matters beyond Batuan

The result places a village in Gianyar’s Sukawati district in an international programme that assesses more than the existence of a local project. The evaluation considered continuity, community learning, innovation, impact, leadership and governance, as well as links to sustainable development.

Batuan’s entry focused on a Learning Village model in which village innovation becomes an ongoing learning process, particularly through culture.

The award is scheduled to be presented in Bali on Dec. 3, 2026.

Sources

• NusaBali — regional news organisation
• radarsolo.jawapos.com
• travel.detik.com
• bali.kemendukbangga.go.id