Garuda Wisnu Kencana: a piece of art, a part of history

Abstract

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) in Ungasan Hill, South Kuta, Badung
Regency is expected as a future tourism icon of Bali to attract
domestic and foreign tourists. Standing firmly in the area of 60
hectares, with 121 meters high from base to peak, and 64 meters in
width, make It as one of the largest and highest impressive figures
in the world. The initial idea to build the statue was firstly sparked
in 1989 when I Nyoman Nuarta met with Joop Ave. The project
began after received approval from President Soeharto in 1997.
Some questions and critics from the scholar did not budge the plan.
However, the monetary crisis and politic situation that hit Indonesia
in 1998, postponed the construction of this enormous project. The
project resumed in 2013 after I Nyoman Nuarta, met with The Ning
King, the owner of PT Alam Sutera Realty. Alam Sutera acquired
the project from PT Garuda Adimatra Indonesia. On September
22, 2018, President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Garuda Wisnu
Kencana Statue. In his speech, Joko Widodo expressed his delight
to witness the work. The statue proved Indonesia is a great nation
that can give birth to a brand-new masterpiece. GWK Cultural Park
offers not only a magnificent landmark but also countless tourist
attractions. There are daily Indonesian traditional music and dance,
lodging area, shopping center, outbound facilities, dining area and
a massive venue for high scale event.