SINGARAJA – 16 December 2023 | This activity involved the archipelago module lecturer, namely Prof. Dr. Dewa Gede Sudika Mangku, S.H., LL.M and a tour guide who guides students in exploring the Bajra Sandhi Monument, a symbol of the struggle of the Balinese people. Lecturers provide in-depth explanations of the history and meaning of these monuments while allowing students to ask questions or share their opinions. The activity ended with the lecturer summarizing the lessons learned during the visit, providing an opportunity to reflect and deepen understanding of the importance of the Bajra Sandhi Monument in the context of the struggle of the Balinese people.
The Bajra Sandhi Museum better known as the Bajra Sandhi Monument is a monument that symbolizes the struggle of the Balinese people, located in Renon, Denpasar, Bali. The monument, which occupies 13.8 hectares of land with a building area of 4900 meters, was designed by Ir. Ida Gede in 1981. Construction of the monument began in 1987 on the initiative of the former Governor of Bali, Ida Bagus Mantra. On 14 June 2003, the new monument was inaugurated by President Megawati Soekarno Putri.
History The Bajra Sandhi Museum has typical traditional Balinese architecture. The construction is full of meaning from Hindu religious philosophy. The word Bajra itself means bell. Hindu priests often use bells when chanting mantras in religious ceremonies. Apart from that, the Hindu elements in the monument are Amertha Jar, symbolized by a kumbha (a kind of pot) which can be seen at the top of the monument; Basuki’s Dragon tail, manifested near Swamba and his head on Kori Agung; Bedawang Akupa’s body is built on the base of the monument, his head on the Kori Agung; Mount Mandara Giri which is manifested by a towering monument; The pond that surrounds the monument is likened to Ksirarnawa (sea of milk).
Not only does it have Hindu philosophical values, but the Bajra Sandhi monument is also full of symbols of independence. There are 17 steps at the main door of the monument. There are 8 large pillars inside the monument which have a height of 45 meters. These numbers are the date of Indonesian independence, August 17, 1945.
