DENPASAR – Delegates from more than 70 countries gathered to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI), human dignity, and a sustainable future during Bali Harmony Encounter Week 2026.
Held from September 2–7, 2026, the series of international gatherings brought together representatives from government, technology, academia, civil society, and local communities in Bali.
One of the key programs was the Bali Harmony Dialogue, held on September 3, 2026, at the United In Diversity (UID) Bali Campus within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The dialogue brought together experts from three sectors to discuss the global AI divide and humanity’s position amid rapid technological development.
Developing Countries Called to Participate in AI Research and Governance
During a public lecture titled “Intelligence: Natural and Artificial,” Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Stella Christie, discussed the position of developing countries in the advancement of artificial intelligence.
The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that developing countries do not remain merely users of technology, but also actively participate in AI research and governance.
The series also included the Consultative Dialogue on Youth, bringing together young innovators and industry representatives.
The forum explored approaches to education that combine technical skills with ethical leadership and a human-centered perspective.
More Than 140 Universities from 70 Countries Gather in Bali
From September 4–6, 2026, the World Encounter Summit Bali: XI International Scholas Chairs Congress brought together delegates representing more than 140 universities across 70 countries.
Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Human Meaning,” the congress explored the relationship between technological development and human meaning, alongside the role of younger generations and local wisdom.
The international gathering provided a space to examine how artificial intelligence can evolve while continuing to place human dignity, ethics, peace, and the common good at the center of technological development.
Tri Hita Karana Creates a Space for Reflection on Peace
Bali Harmony Encounter Week 2026 reached one of its highlights with the Tri Hita Karana Universal Reflection Ceremony 2026, held at Sunset Mandala, Sira Village, within the Kura Kura Bali SEZ, on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The ceremony carried the theme “Holding Space for Peace: Peace Within, Peace Among Us, Peace with All Life.”
It provided a space to reflect on peace amid rapid technological advancement and global change.
Suyoto, Vice President of the United In Diversity (UID) Foundation, said peace must be nurtured through human relationships and everyday life.
“Peace is not merely an end goal achieved through theory, but a relationship that we must actively nurture every day,” Suyoto said.
According to him, the spirit of Tri Hita Karana can provide a shared space for Indonesia’s diverse religions and traditions.
Younger Generations Encouraged to Foster Peace
Arskal Salim, Secretary of the Directorate General of Islamic Education at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, representing Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, emphasized the role of individuals and communities in maintaining peace.
“Great transformation does not come from one enormous light, but from the small candles that we carry together,” Arskal Salim said.
He encouraged younger generations and communities to put the values of peace into practice in everyday life, beginning within families and extending to workplaces and wider society.
Through this series of gatherings, Bali Harmony Encounter Week 2026 became an international platform for examining the development of artificial intelligence alongside questions of humanity, education, youth, local wisdom, and peace.
The gathering also reinforced Bali’s role as a meeting point where global technological developments can be explored alongside human values rooted in local wisdom.
Source: Republika.co.id
