NusaBali reports that the iconic Catur Muka Statue on Jalan Gadjah Mada Street in Tabanan was demolished on Sunday, 12 July 2026, to make way for its relocation and revitalization.
To complete the renovation smoothly, the demolition was carried out on a Sunday, when traffic flows are lower, and the area was fenced off with zinc panels.
“Catur Muka” statues, such as those in Tabanan and central Denpasar, have four faces pointing to the four main compass points.
The Head of Tabanan City’s Traditional Village organization, I Made Suwardika, said the renovation aims to improve Tabanan City’s aesthetics and is part of a broader urban renovation of Gadjah Mada Street.
Suwardika said the renewal plan has been approved by Tabanan’s Regent, I Komang Gede Sanjaya, and the Regency’s Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Department. “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.”
The now-demolished Tabanan City Catur Muka Statue was originally erected in the 1980s and has become an iconic landmark. Over the past years, maintenance has been limited to routine repainting and the installation of an identifying plaque.
Suwardika said Jalan Gadjah Mada has evolved and is now dominated by high-rise buildings, making the former statue disproportionate in its setting. “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,” he said. The revitalization plan will see a new Catur Muka statue installed, measuring some three meters wide and six meters high.
The renovated statue will be taller and more in harmony with its surroundings. The technical implementation and financial budgeting for the new statue are being handled by the Tabanan Public Works and Public Housing Agency. The entire revitalization is targeted for completion in four months in order to coincide with Singasana City’s anniversary. The revitalization plan has provoked controversy within the community. Suwardika believes, however, that the local community will come to understand and appreciate the final renovated statue.
”The point is not to change the existing norms, but to adapt to the development of the area so that the city’s icon remains intact and becomes, in the end, more representative,” he explained.
Separately, the Head of the Tabanan Public Works and Public Housing Agency, I Gde Partana, emphasized the need for improvements to the revitalization of the Catur Muka Statue on Jalan Gadjah Mada in Tabanan City’s Traditional Village. “The statue will be made larger by respected Tabanan sculptor I Nyoman Sudarwa.”
Related Links
Letkol Wisnu Airport on Google Maps
LetKol Wisnu Airport – Wikipedia
Aviation Maintenance and Training Hub Planned for North Bali
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update
