A new museum, Asta Gangga, has opened within the Tirta Gangga palace complex in East Bali.
Alongside the museum, the site now features a new statue of the 14th King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the founder of Tirta Gangga Park, as well as an exhibition area called Bale Lunjung. The copper statue of the ruler stands 3.2 meters tall and is displayed on the second floor of Bale Lunjung.
The museum is a perfect destination for tourists eager to learn more about Bali’s rich culture. It houses a collection of Balinese artifacts, cultural objects, and historical treasures. The museum building, with its octagonal shape reminiscent of a pagoda, has drawn significant attention. The name “Asta Gangga” translates to “eight corners,” symbolizing the shape of the structure. The museum is dedicated to preserving the collection of the King of Karangasem and making it accessible to the public. Exhibits include sacred fabrics such as scordi and songket, as well as ten family heirloom keris (asymmetrical daggers).
The grand opening ceremony took place on December 15, coinciding with the sacred day of Purnama Kanem on the Balinese calendar. The event was attended by royal descendants, officials, and members of the Keris Enthusiasts Society. A descendant of the rulers of the Surakarta Kingdom gifted the museum two keris from their private collection as a token of respect for their shared ancestral ties with the Karangasem kingdom. By unveiling the statue of the 14th king, the Puri Agung Karangasem complex has become a trailblazer in honoring ancestors in such a meaningful way.
Asta Gangga Museum is more than just a repository of historical objects—it is a window into the past, a reflection of ancestral wisdom, and a guardian of cultural values. The museum aims to preserve the heritage of Puri Agung Karangasem while inspiring young Indonesians and visitors to delve into the region’s history.
Currently, admission to the museum is included with the ticket for Tirta Gangga Park, which is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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