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ISI Bali Lecturer Achieved Doctoral Degree with Dissertation on “Visual Pollution of Outdoor Media”
The Study Program of Cultural Studies Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University once again promotet the new Doctor, Dr. I Putu Arya Janottama, S. Sn., M. Sn.. Promovendus is the 286th doctoral graduate of the Faculty of Humanities and the 305th doctoral graduate of the Cultural Studies department. The faculty held an Open Examination in Soekarno Room, Poerbatjaraka Building on July 21, 2026. Promovendus was successfully awarded with highly satisfactory predicate through his dissertation titled Polusi Visual Media Luar Ruang di Denpasar sebagai Kota Budaya (Visual Pollution of Outdoor Media in Denpasar as a City of Culture).
This examination was led by Prof. Dr. Ni Luh Sutjiati Beratha, M.A.. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Darma Putra M.Litt acted as the promoter, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Anak Agung Ngurah Anom Kumbara, M.A. as the Co-promoter I and Dr. Ida Bagus Gde Pujaastawa, M.A. as Co-promoter II. Prof. Dr. I Gusti Putu Bagus Suka Arjawa, M.Si. was present as a part of the examiner team. Fellow members of the examiner team, who were also acting as assessors were Prof. Dr. Drs. I Gede Mugi Raharja M.Sn., Dr. I Wayan Nuriarta, S.Pd., M.Sn., Dr. Ni Luh Putu Ari Sulatri, S.S., M.Si., dan Dr. I Nyoman Winia, M.Si.
This dissertation addresses the issue of visual pollution of outdoor media in Denpasar, particularly regarding its standing as a city of culture. In his dissertation, Promovendus stated that outdoor media as something valuable and has a tangible contribution towards local revenue (pendapatan asli daerah). However, outdoor media may also backfire against public space and create visual pollution. Visual pollution may triggers issues from aesthetic perspective, safety threats, and increasing consumptive behaviour. Promovendus conducted this research through critical cultural studies approach. “Visual pollution is the pollution of the city's visual space caused by the excessive, irregular, and visual elements, in violation of local regulations,” stated Promovendus in his dissertation.
In Denpasar, visual pollution comes in several forms, starting from the use of non-recyclable material to disregard of outdoor media past the expiration date. This pollution is affecting the identity of Denpasar as a city of culture, where visual identity is being eroded and honorable cultural values is marginalised. Visual pollution may also affects tourism where it reduces authentic visual experience that tourists look for. Another concern is of safety aspect in regards of visual pollution. When a videotron is set with too bright of an intensity, it may be dazzling to road users, causing vehicles to slow down beyond the stopping point. Another form of outdoor media such as semi-permanent billboards made of fragile materials may also be a cause of safety concern, as those billboards are prone to collapse under extreme weather. Promovendus concluded his dissertation by stating that every parties involved in the making of outdoor media is expected to act more responsibly ethically and aesthetically towards public room in Denpasar.
Following the result announcement, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Darma Putra M.Litt. as the promoter gave a speech. He conveyed his thanks towards those who were involved in the success of this dissertation. A due appreciation was given to Dr. I Gede Arya Sugiartha, S.Skar, M.Hum., a former valedictorian in Cultural Studies department of Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Udayana as well as the father of Promovendus, who was present as Dr. I Putu Arya Janottama, S. Sn., M. Sn. defended his dissertation on Tuesday (21/7). In regards to the dissertation, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Darma Putra M.Litt. stated that one seemingly trivial matter such as visual pollution of outdoor media contains such width. Promovendus was deemed to do a great job in choosing and studying this matter. The promoter thus suggested that this dissertation be further developed, so that it could be published as a book to reach wider audience.
Closing the Open Examination, Dr. I Putu Arya Janottama, S. Sn., M. Sn. gave a due thanks towards the promoter and team, lecturers from Faculty of Humanities, Rector of ISI Bali, Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design, administrative staffs, fellow classmates year 2020, family, the Visual Communication Design department and LPMPP. Promovendus is conscious of the limitations of his research and requests guidance so that this dissertation can make a more meaningful contribution to the academic fields of visual communication design, animation, and cultural studies.
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY