ISI Bali Lecturer Achieved Doctoral Degree with Dissertation on “Visual Pollution of Outdoor Media”

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• Selasa, 21 Juli 2026
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The Doctoral (S3) Cultural Studies Program of the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Udayana University, has once again inaugurated a new doctor, Dr. I Putu Arya Janottama, S.Sn., M.Sn. The promovendus is recorded as the 286th doctor at FIB Udayana University and the 305th in the Doctoral Cultural Studies Program. This doctoral degree was achieved after the promovendus successfully defended his dissertation in an Open Doctoral Defense held in the Dr. Ir. Soekarno Meeting Room, Poerbatjaraka Building, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Through his dissertation entitled "Visual Pollution of Outdoor Media in Denpasar as a Cultural City," he successfully earned a "Very Satisfactory" predicate.

The open defense was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ni Luh Sutjiati Beratha, M.A., acting as the Chairperson of the Assembly. Serving as the Promoter was Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Darma Putra, M.Litt., accompanied by Prof. Dr. Anak Agung Ngurah Anom Kumbara, M.A., as Co-Promoter I, and Dr. Ida Bagus Gde Pujaastawa, M.A., as Co-Promoter II. The other members of the board of examiners included Prof. Dr. I Gusti Putu Bagus Suka Arjawa, M.Si., 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., and Dr. I Nyoman Winia, M.Si.

The dissertation defended by the promovendus examined the problem of visual pollution caused by outdoor media in Denpasar, particularly regarding its identity as a cultural city. The promovendus explained that outdoor media indeed plays a significant role and directly contributes to the Regional Original Revenue (PAD). On the other hand, however, it can pose a threat to public spaces and cause visual pollution. Beyond damaging aesthetics, this visual pollution triggers safety hazards and drives an increase in consumerist culture. The promovendus dissected this issue using a critical cultural studies approach and qualitative methods. "Visual pollution is the contamination of the city's visual field caused by the presence of visual elements that are excessive, disorganized, disproportionate, and disregard local regulations," he clarified in his dissertation.

In Denpasar, this visual pollution manifests in various forms, ranging from the use of non-recyclable materials to the neglect of expired promotional media. This condition results in the erosion of visual identity and the marginalization of the noble cultural values of Denpasar City. Furthermore, visual pollution also threatens the tourism sector as it diminishes the authentic visual experiences sought by tourists. Safety aspects also require attention; the excessively bright glare from a videotron can blind, distract focus, and affect drivers' speed. Additionally, the construction of semi-permanent billboards made from fragile materials poses a physical safety threat to citizens, as they are prone to collapsing during extreme weather. The promovendus emphasized that all stakeholders involved in the provision of outdoor media are expected to be more ethically and aesthetically responsible toward public spaces.

Following the graduation declaration, the assembly proceeded with a speech by the Promoter, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Darma Putra, M.Litt. He expressed his appreciation to all parties who supported the completion of the promovendus's dissertation. Special acknowledgment was also directed to Dr. I Gede Arya Sugiartha, S.Skar., M.Hum., the promovendus's father and the former best graduate of the FIB Unud S3 Cultural Studies Program, who was also present at the open defense. Touching upon the substance of the research, the promoter noted that the single phenomenon of visual pollution actually encompasses vast socio-cultural issues. The promovendus was considered to have chosen and analyzed this topic exceptionally well. Therefore, the promoter suggested that this dissertation be developed into a book to reach a wider readership.

At the end of the event, the promovendus expressed his gratitude to the promoter and examiner team, the lecturers of the S3 Cultural Studies Program, the Rector of ISI Bali, the Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design, the administrative staff of the S3 Cultural Studies Program, the 2020 cohort peers, his family, colleagues from the Animation Study Program, the extended family of the Visual Communication Design Study Program, and LPMPP colleagues. The promovendus acknowledged the limitations of his research and requested further guidance so that the findings of this dissertation could provide a more meaningful contribution to the academic fields of visual communication design, animation, and cultural studies.