Norwegian Students Practice Making Gebogan in Cultural Activity at Bali Museum

• By Admin
• Kamis, 17 April 2025

Thursday, May 17, 2025, nine Norwegian students from the Social Anthropology Go Stud* program held cultural activities at the Museum Bali in Denpasar. The activity was all about learning by doing. We made gebogan, a fruit and flower arrangement used in Balinese offerings. We also visited Museum Bali to learn more about the island's unique culture.

The activity began with a visit to Badung Market, where students were invited to shop for materials to make gebogan. These materials included fruits, flowers, and market snacks. They learned to choose and negotiate the price of traditional materials commonly used in Balinese Hindu ceremonies with Udayana Anthropology lecturers and students. This activity is special because students get to talk with market sellers.

After shopping, the Norwegian students learned how to put together the gebogan at the Bali Museum. With help from local teachers and students, they tried to arrange the materials into a nice presentation. The results of their work were then brought to Pura Agung Jagatnatha to be given as part of learning about religious rituals in Bali. This activity indirectly became a way to learn about local fruits that can be found on the island of Bali. Get to know the Balinese people and their traditional activities.

After visiting the temple, the group went back to Museum Bali to look at the cultural collections on display. The students were excited to learn about the museum's ancient artifacts, traditional clothing, and traditional Balinese art. The museum staff helped the Norwegian students understand the history and myths because they are experts in storytelling.

"We are very happy to learn about Balinese culture, especially how gebogan is made and how it is used in rituals. "This experience is very valuable," said Emile, one of the Norwegian students.

This activity is part of a joint program between Go Study and the Cultural Anthropology Study Program at FIB Udayana University. The goal of the program is to show international students the richness of Balinese traditions. It also aims to strengthen academic collaboration between Udayana University and Norway. Hopefully, similar activities can continue to be carried out to help people understand each other better. (Taufik)*