THE APURVA KEMPINSKI BALI SHOWCASES ‘BHINNEKA TUNGGAL IKA’ LONTAR EXHIBITION
Embracing the spirit of unity in diversity through the 2024 ‘Powerful Indonesia: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ movement, The Apurva Kempinski Bali unveils Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Lontar Exhibition – a collaboration with Samsara Living Museum. Available from 3 April to 31 May 2024, the exhibition showcases Indonesia’s literary heritage through ten ancient manuscripts that have been carefully preserved from the golden era of Majapahit Kingdom.
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Lontar Exhibition marks the first of its kind, presenting a collection of manuscripts passed down through generations and preserved by Samsara Living Museum, including those scripted by the direct ancestors of Mpu Tantular – a prominent scholar and King Hayam Wuruk’s advisor during the Majapahit era in the 14th century.
At the core of the exhibition lies an ancient Lontar named Kakawin Sutasoma (Mpu Tantular, 1365- 1389), renowned for introducing the phrase ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’, which persists as the national motto of Indonesia. Complementing this renowned work, the exhibition showcases a collection of manuscripts that delve into the intricacies of human existence, exploring themes such as social dynamics, interpersonal relationships, spirituality, and our relationship with the natural world. Dating back to 400 BCE, these manuscripts offer timeless wisdom. They have been meticulously re-written and preserved through generations, thanks to the dedicated efforts of individuals such as Ida Pedanda Ketut Buruan and Ida Pedanda Gede Made Buruan, who respectively represent the 13th and 16th generations of Mpu Tantular’s descendants.
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Lontar Exhibition officially debuts on 3 April 2024 in the Pendopo Lobby, commencing with a mystical chanting performance of ‘Kakawin Sutasoma’, followed by an interactive talk show featuring distinguished speakers. The panellists include the founders of Samsara Living Museum – Ida Bagus Made Gunawan and Ida Bagus Agung Gunarthawa, who have devoted themselves to conserving, promoting, and safeguarding the cultural values of the ancestral heritage through a living museum situated in Jungutan Village, Karangasem, Bali. Engaging in the discussion is Ayu Kartika Dewi, a special aide to the President of the Indonesia Republic and the Managing Director of Indika Foundation, whose endeavours aim to nurture the spirit of tolerance and diversity as well as advocate for education in Indonesia. Exploring the essence of ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ (unity in diversity) and its significance in modern society, this interactive dialogue also emphasises the necessity of preserving this cultural inheritance and wisdom to nurture social harmony and mutual understanding among diverse communities in Indonesia.
“We are truly grateful for the chance to collaborate with The Apurva Kempinski Bali,” shared Ida Bagus Agung Gunarthawa, Founder of Samsara Living Museum. “Through this partnership, we hope to spark more interest in and understanding of these manuscripts’ rich values. The hotel’s support in preserving Indonesian culture means the world to us. Thank you for joining us on this meaningful journey.”
“Celebrating Indonesia’s diversity has always been the heart of everything we create here at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, especially through our 2024 campaign – Powerful Indonesia: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. ” Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali added. “This exhibition is another important chapter in our ongoing dedication to preserving and celebrating Indonesian heritage.”
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