VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo encouraged the development of art and culture in Indonesia by utilizing technological advances. Speaking at the inauguration of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in Badung, Bali, on Saturday (9/22) night, the President said that the use of technology could support the preservation of cultural arts owned by the Indonesian people. On the occasion, President Jokowi said that the construction of Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue has succeeded in combining the beauty of Indonesian art and culture with technological advancements. According to him, cultural arts such as Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue will be able to survive for hundreds of years.

“In the era of technological advancement like today, the development of cultural arts must be integrated with technology. Earlier, I heard that the statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana designed by Mr. Nyoman Nuarta also combined our national cultural arts, especially the beauty of Balinese art and culture with technological advancements with research on the new science. With this combination, Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue will be able to survive for approximately 100 years. And I'm sure another 100 years of Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue will still be discussed as the work of civilization which is the pride of the nation and also a legacy for future generations of Indonesia,” President Joko Widodo said.

Besides having 100 years of durability, President Joko Widodo also revealed that the statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana has became one of the largest and highest copper sculptures in the world. Furthermore, Jokowi invited Indonesian young artists and cultural scholars to continue to create and produce the best works for the Indonesian people. According to him, the works of artists and cultural observers will be able to enrich Indonesia's cultural heritage in the future. (VOI/Andy/ trans by PUTRI/ART)