Wisuda XXV - Another “graduation” but different

I shouldn’t call it a “graduation” as students were not receiving degrees but certificates and diplomas. Officially this occasion was a “Wisuda”, the 25th for the PPLP part of Dhyana Pura. The PPLP is the “Centre for Tourism Education and Training”. It offers quality training courses of 1 – 3 years duration in areas such as “Housekeeping Services”, “Food and Beverage Service” and “Public Relations and Secretarial”. The first part (“Yudisium”) was held at the college on 24th August and the public part, the “Wisuda” took place on Friday 27th August. This is the grand occasion where family and friends see the students receive their qualifications and prizes.


The transport convoy left the college soon at 7 and made its way through heavy traffic around the northern and eastern edges of Denpasar to the Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur. At about 8:30 I took my seat in the front row wearing my formal batik shirt with small spray of local flowers. The hall filled. The special guests and dignitaries were ceremonially led into the main assembly hall by 4 students in elaborate local costume.

Costumed students lead guests and senior staff into the auditorium

The gamelan orchestra struck up with a flourish, and “Wisuda XXV” got underway. 

A section of the gamelan orchestra

A troupe of 5 dancers gave a stunning and enchanting display, with the traditional eye, head and body movements, and the characteristic hand-finger movements. I was well placed to get good photos – see the Web Album (linked as Blog on these pages).

Balinese dancer at opening of ceremony

The ceremony took about 3 hours as 262 students received their certificates or diplomas. Then there were the prizes, the special awards etc, the oath of allegiance to nation and a pledge to live up to the expectations of the Alumni, and so on.

College Director Pak Joko presents a
student with medal of achievement

It was a very colourful and attractive occasion. The boys wore school uniform but the girls shone in their local costumes – the beautiful dresses and blouses which I’d seen at weddings. The togas and caps were not worn – they are for the University (STIM) graduates.

Musicians at hotel entrance

After the ceremony guests, staff, student attendants and the choir had lunch in the hotel’s dining room which had attractive views over the gardens and out to sea. After lunch the staff returned to the ballroom for photographs with students. I lost track of the number of students who requested photos of me (novelty factor I suppose as I didn’t know any of them). When we left we found a small band of musicians seated at the entrance playing music on traditional instruments and producing an attractive and exotic sound.

Some of the students who
assisted with presentations
 and acted as ushers

The timing of my arrival at Dhyana Pura has been very fortunate – I’ve attended the STIM graduation (separate blog), the student orientation week, and now the presentation ceremony for PPLP students. These occasions allowed me to experience the local practices at the start and the end of the students’ association with the college. My next 2 months will involve me in the routine of classes and training activities. 

My congratulations to the successful students, and to all who made the Wisuda such a colourful and enjoyable occasion. 

Thankyou for having me there.