Ujung Sukasada Park

Historical Background and Construction Context

The construction of Taman Ujung began in 1901 on the initiative of the last King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, who was titled Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Initially, this location was a simple bathing pool known as Kolam Dirah, believed to possess magical powers and used for purification rituals.

In the process of transforming it into a magnificent water palace, the King did not work alone. He acted as the chief architect and conceptualizer, but he invited foreign experts to realize his vision. Notably, a Dutch architect named Van Den Hentz and a Chinese architect named Loto Ang were involved in the technical work. This international collaboration made Taman Ujung one of the most unique buildings in Indonesia at its time. The construction took a considerable amount of time and was only formally inaugurated in 1921.

Architectural Characteristics and Style Acculturation

The primary uniqueness of Taman Ujung Sukasada lies in its eclectic architectural style. Structurally, the building adopts three major cultural influences:

1. Traditional Balinese Architecture: The use of carved ornaments on walls, guardian statues (dwarapala), and the spatial concept following the nawa sanga principle or cardinal directions are maintained. Local sandstone is extensively used to provide a distinct Balinese texture.

2. European (Dutch) Influence: The main building structures, especially the large windows with stained glass, the use of sturdy concrete pillars, and the arched doorways, reflect the Neoclassical colonial style. The design of the bridges connecting the pavilions over the pools also shows Western construction techniques that were modern for their time.

3. Oriental (Chinese) Elements: Chinese touches can be seen in the roof designs of some parts of the building and the ceramic details adorning the walls. The presence of stepped bridges and the placement of pavilions in the middle of the water also evoke the concept of water gardens in mainland China.

Unique Structures and Innovations

Taman Ujung is designed with a focus on water as the central aesthetic element. The complex features three large pools that dominate the landscape. In the center of the main pool, there is a building called "Gili" (meaning small island in the local language), which is a pavilion without walls that appears to float.

One of the most prominent structural features is the long bridge connecting the entrance area to the main building. This bridge has very iconic concrete arches, creating a profound visual perspective for anyone crossing it.

Another innovation rarely found in Balinese buildings of the 1920s is the integration of the Subak irrigation system with the garden's aesthetics. The water flowing in these pools is not just decoration but part of the water flow that is then channeled to the residents' rice fields around Karangasem. This demonstrates the "Tri Hita Karana" philosophy, where the relationship between humans, nature, and God is intertwined in a functional design.

Cultural and Social Symbolism

For the Karangasem Kingdom, Taman Ujung Sukasada had a dual function. Besides being a private resting place for the king and his family, it served as a venue for receiving important state guests. Its grand design aimed to showcase the progress and openness of the Karangasem Kingdom to the outside world without abandoning its cultural roots.

Symbolically, the presence of buildings on the water represents inner peace and clarity of mind in leadership. Its location between Mount Agung (symbol of purity/upstream) and Ujung Sea (symbol of cleansing/downstream) places this palace in a cosmically important axis within Balinese beliefs.

Restoration and Preservation

Taman Ujung suffered severe damage due to several natural disasters. The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 covered the area with volcanic ash, and the earthquake in 1979 nearly leveled most of its structures. For many years, the palace was neglected and overgrown with bushes.

Major restoration efforts began in the late 1990s to the early 2000s. The local government and the royal family strove to restore its architectural glory while preserving the original materials that could still be salvaged. The restoration successfully revived the fine details, including the original marble floors imported from Europe and intricate wood carvings.

Visitor Experience and Current Utilization

Today, Taman Ujung Sukasada has become a primary architectural tourist destination in East Bali. The visitor experience begins from the ascending entrance gate, offering a panoramic (bird's eye view) of the entire park complex with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop on one side and green hills on the other.

Visitors can climb stairs to the building on the hill known as "Kapal." From this structure, resembling the remains of a fortress ruin, the symmetrical layout of the bridges and water pavilions is clearly visible, creating an extraordinary visual harmony. The interior of the main building now functions as a mini-museum housing historical photos of the royal family and remnants of past glory.

Taman Ujung Sukasada remains an unparalleled icon in Indonesian architectural history. It is not just a building but a representation of a leader's courage to transcend traditional boundaries, absorb global influences, and create an enduring visual identity at the eastern tip of the Island of the Gods.