Tabanan's Four-Faced Landmark Gets Major Makeover

Tabanan's beloved Catur Muka statue, a four-faced cultural icon that has stood at the heart of the regency for decades, has been demolished to make way for a dramatic revitalization project. The demolition took place on July 12, strategically scheduled for a Sunday to minimize traffic disruption on Jalan Gadjah Mada Street, one of Tabanan's busiest thoroughfares.

According to NusaBali, the iconic statue is being relocated and reimagined as part of a broader urban renewal initiative for the downtown area. Rather than simply restoring the original monument, city planners have decided to replace it with a more imposing structure better suited to modern Tabanan's evolving skyline.

From Compact to Commanding

The original Catur Muka statue, erected in the 1980s, has served as a defining landmark for the regency. Its name translates to "four faces," referring to the four directional faces pointing toward the cardinal compass points—a design echoed in similar statues found throughout Bali, including in central Denpasar.

However, what once appeared majestic now seems diminished. I Made Suwardika, Head of Tabanan City's Traditional Village organization, explained the reasoning behind the decision: "Previously, the surrounding buildings were low, making the statue appear majestic. Now, there are many tall buildings, so adjustments are needed to maintain its prominence as a cultural icon."

The new statue will be substantially larger—measuring three meters in width and six meters in height—making it proportionally appropriate to its contemporary urban environment. This upgrade reflects Tabanan's transformation from a low-rise traditional town to a modern regency with significant vertical development.

Official Approval and Implementation

The revitalization project has received formal approval from Tabanan Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya and the Regency's Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (PUPR). The technical implementation and budget management fall under the jurisdiction of the Tabanan Public Works and Public Housing Agency.

"The revitalization and replacement of the Catur Muka will be done by installing a larger Brahma statue that is more proportionally appropriate to the aesthetics of the upgraded downtown area."

According to Suwardika's statement, the new installation will feature a Brahma statue—Brahma being the Hindu creator deity—designed specifically to harmonize with Tabanan's modernized streetscape.

A Four-Month Timeline

The entire project is scheduled for completion within four months, with city officials working to ensure the revitalized statue becomes a centerpiece of Tabanan's downtown renaissance. The renovation is part of a larger initiative to enhance Jalan Gadjah Mada Street's overall aesthetic appeal.

The decision to upgrade rather than restore reflects a broader challenge facing heritage-rich Indonesian cities: maintaining cultural symbols' significance and visibility within rapidly changing urban landscapes. As Tabanan continues to develop, the new Catur Muka statue will serve as both a cultural anchor and a monument to the city's evolution.

Originally reported by Bali Discovery and NusaBali