BULELENG – Convention and Event Management Study Program (PKA) at Bali Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar Bali) reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement through a Community Service initiative in Panji Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. The activity forms part of the institution’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education and reflects ongoing collaboration between academia and local communities in developing tourism village-based events.
This year’s program was centered around the Panji Edu Eco Village Festival 2025, held under the theme “Atma Air: Harmony of Culture, Nature, and Sustainability,” highlighting the integration of local wisdom and environmental preservation through a culturally rooted community event.
The mentoring process began a month prior, involving technical preparation, division of responsibilities, and final coordination meetings between lecturers, students, and the local organizing committee. The main event took place on Friday, June 14, 2025, featuring morning sessions including an open discussion and traditional performances such as Megoak-goakan and Sapi Gerubugan. The festival attracted significant attention from various stakeholders and the public, with more than 8,000 visitors filling Ki Barak Panji Sakti Field, the central venue of the event.
The festival was also graced by several VVIP guests, including Dr. Drh. Luh Ayu Aryani, M.P., Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development to the Regional Secretary of Bali Province, representing the Governor, and the Subdistrict Head of Sukasada. Their presence symbolized strong governmental support for community-driven tourism development and cultural education initiatives.
Drs. I Gusti Ngurah Agung Suprastayasa, M.Ed., the event’s organizing chair, stated that the program aimed to help deliver a festival that meets international standards. “This activity is not only a platform for collaboration between academics and the community but also serves as hands-on learning for students in event management courses. We hope this experience equips Panji residents with the skills and confidence to independently organize professional-level events,” he explained.
Panji Village Head, Jro Mangku Made Ariawan, S.ST.Par., MBA., expressed gratitude for the success of the festival and the partnership with Bali Tourism Polytechnic. “Panji Edu Eco Village Festival proves that, with proper guidance, communities can host high-quality events that not only boost the local economy but also reinforce the cultural identity of the village,” he said.
The festival featured a wide range of activities, from traditional cultural performances and MSME product exhibitions to environmental education and interactive programs involving residents and visitors alike. Every stage—from planning and execution to evaluation—was carried out collaboratively by sixth-semester Convention and Event Management students and the village community.
More than just an entertainment event, the 2025 Panji Edu Eco Village Festival stands as a symbol of transformation and self-reliance in village tourism through professionally managed local events. Moving forward, this initiative is expected to serve as a replicable model of community empowerment through sustainable academic collaboration.
