Lila Cita Sukaning Manah, which means "Sincere Intent, Joyful Heart" in Balinese, was a memorable event held recently at the SAKA Museum in AYANA Bali, the island's innovative culture and knowledge hub. The event acknowledged the institution's increasing global recognition in the areas of cultural curation, sustainable architecture, and innovative design, as well as the triumphant conclusion of four significant exhibitions.
Recent accolades for the museum include being named one of TIME Magazine's World's Greatest Places 2024, placing in the Top 100 of the Kyoto Global Design Award 2024 for Environmental Design, and—most importantly—being named one of the World's Most Beautiful Museums 2025 by Prix Versailles. These honours demonstrate SAKA's dedication to conserving cultural heritage using modern, environmentally friendly methods.
Distinguished visitors from the arts, academia, government, media, and business were present at the evening event; each of them contributed to the development of the museum. It was a celebration as well as a way to show appreciation to the communities and partners that have helped realise SAKA's mission.
The recently opened SAKA displays offer engaging, instructive windows into Bali's rich cultural heritage. Each has been carefully chosen by regional and foreign specialists to enhance knowledge and foster a greater respect for Bali's customs.
The Gurat Institute's Kasanga display transports visitors to the holy silence of Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence. It highlights the philosophical and emotional aspects of this one-of-a-kind celebration through a tasteful blending of art, historical photography, film, and installations over three floors. Instead of merely recording Nyepi, Kasanga aims to express its spiritual nature.
The intricate water management and cultural philosophy underlying Bali's UNESCO-listed Subak system are examined in Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali. Through a fascinating hourly light-and-sound display and multimedia storytelling, the show introduces visitors to the complex interrelationships between spiritual belief, community, and nature that characterise Subak.
Through a unique collection of holy relics and artistic creations, the third exhibition, Panca Maha Bhuta, delves into the Balinese understanding of the five basic forces: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The intangible energies that continue to shape Balinese ritual, culture, and artistic expression are illuminated by this display.
The immersive dome work Twilight Journey, made by multimedia artists Wahyudi Chandra and Raden Cahyoko (Kokok) of Bali, completes the series. The experience takes visitors on a meditative visual journey throughout Bali's sacred terrain by simulating the celestial serenity of Nyepi night through interactive audiovisual technology.
The celebration of Lila Cita Sukaning Manah was a poignant occasion for acknowledgement and introspection, highlighting the collaborative attitude that characterises SAKA's success. The museum's goal to be a vibrant hub for sustainability, architectural brilliance, and cultural storytelling in Indonesia and abroad is unwavering as it advances.
The SAKA Museum invites everyone who enters to engage with Bali's past, present, and future through an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional exhibition settings, whether they are an art and design enthusiast, an inquisitive traveler, or an advocate for sustainable projects.
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