23 Jul 2025
Mangupura, July 23, 2025 – To commemorate National Children’s Day, which falls on July 23, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport presented a special surprise for its youngest passengers. The airport brought a festive Balinese cultural touch through a vibrant Gopala dance performance, along with the distribution of unique souvenirs miniature drums—for children traveling through the airport on Wednesday (23/7).
The child-themed activities were held in both the domestic arrival and departure terminals as a form of appreciation and as part of the airport’s efforts to engage more closely with passengers, especially children. In line with its meaning, Gopala or “the cowherd,” the dance performed by a group of children aged 5–8 years depicted the innocence, energy, and cheerfulness of young Krishna herding cattle in the fields. The performance carried deep meaning and highlighted the noble values of Balinese culture.
Made Dandi (5), one of the young dancers, shared his excitement after performing at the airport: “I’m so happy! I’ve never danced at an airport before,” he said.
Meanwhile, Xavier, a 9-year-old passenger from the United Kingdom, expressed his amazement at the cultural showcase: “It’s incredible that kids their age can perform such a beautiful dance at the airport! I thought the performance was excellent,” he remarked.
Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, explained that the children’s celebration has become an annual tradition at the airport. “We want to bring joy and liveliness to children at the airport. For this year’s National Children’s Day, the performers were chosen from local art studios around the airport. It is a special gift from the children of Bali to children of Indonesia and the world,” said Gede Eka.
He added that thematic activities like these reflect the airport’s commitment to creating a child-friendly, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience. “This initiative also demonstrates our support for Bali’s tourism while providing opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents at the airport,” he concluded.
