DENPASAR, BALINEWS.ID – Balinese artist Marmar Herayukti marks a new milestone in Indonesia’s contemporary art landscape with the unveiling of “The Puputan Badung” Diorama, a monumental work created to complement the historic Hero Monument at Puputan Badung Square, Denpasar. The diorama reimagines the 1906 Puputan Badung, a defining moment of Balinese resistance, through powerful three-dimensional storytelling.
The original Hero Monument, completed in 1979 and sculpted by Indonesia’s legendary Edhi Sunarso, was based on the winning proposal of three young engineers during the 1978 design competition: Ir I Made Gede Sudharsana, the late Ir Ibnu Sudiro, and Ir Widnyana Sudibya. The monument stands among Sunarso’s iconic national works, including Jakarta’s famed Dirgantara (Pancoran) Monument.
Marmar’s diorama seeks not only to preserve Bali’s cultural memory but to illuminate lesser-known fragments of history. Built upon extensive research and historical documentation, the work expands the public’s understanding of the Puputan Badung by presenting its emotional depth and overlooked nuances in sculptural form.
The monument now faces north, an intentional reorientation that Marmar sees as a way to “bring the monument to life” and make its message more accessible. “A monument should speak to everyone who passes by and reach beyond its immediate grounds,” he emphasizes.
The diorama features hand-sculpted metal panels, chosen for their durability and symbolic strength. Each relief depicts layered scenes of confrontation, ritual, and transcendence, offering a visual bridge between past and present. The detailed craftsmanship invites viewers to engage more intimately with the historical narrative.
Accessibility is a core component of the renewed design. New ramps and guiding blocks now allow visitors with visual or mobility impairments to fully explore the monument. “Those who cannot walk still have the right to define their own steps, and those who cannot see still hold their own vision,” Marmar states, underscoring the equal place of persons with disabilities in Bali’s long history of resistance.
The creation process involved collaboration with historians, cultural scholars, Balinese literature experts, architects, and royal family members. The family of Edhi Sunarso also contributed archival materials, including photographs and documents related to the original monument.
Marmar conducted months of research, studying historical sites and century-old photographic archives, as well as examining artifacts from the Puputan era, including pieces recently repatriated from the Netherlands to the National Museum of Indonesia. These findings shaped the characters and scenes in the diorama, ensuring both authenticity and emotional resonance.
A Bridge Between Generations
Created with love, passion for history, and a commitment to preservation, the diorama serves as a bridge across generations. It aims to strengthen historical awareness among younger audiences while honoring the bravery of the Badung royal family and its people. The work embodies timeless Balinese values: unity, honor, loyalty, and self-sacrifice.
About Marmar Herayukti
Putu Marmar Herayukti, born 13 September 1983 in Banjar Gemeh, Denpasar, is a multidisciplinary artist known for his exploratory approach. His artistic journey began early, sparked by the creation of his first ogoh-ogoh in junior high school. Today, he is recognized as one of Bali’s forward-thinking contemporary artists, blending research, technique, and cultural reflection in his work.
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