The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel Present Heroes, Gods and Guardians

The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, proudly presents Heroes, Gods and Guardians, a cultural exhibition celebrating the rich heritage of Java, Bali, Madura, and Lombok through the traditions of mask dance, sacred storytelling, visual arts, and Balinese Lontar manuscripts.

Developed in collaboration with Samsara Living Museum, Dwiva Art, Museum Nasional Indonesia, and Indonesia Heritage Legacy, the exhibition brings Indonesia’s diverse cultural traditions closer to contemporary audiences while highlighting the importance of preserving and passing cultural knowledge to future generations.

Heroes, Gods and Guardians explores the stories, symbolism, and spiritual values embedded within Indonesia’s traditional performing and literary arts. At the heart of the exhibition are the historical traditions of mask dance by Balinese Maestro Professor I Made Bandem and the sacred knowledge preserved through Balinese Lontar manuscripts, offering visitors an opportunity to discover how cultural narratives have been maintained and transmitted across generations.

The launch program took place on 11 September 2026 at Sukarno Lounge. The program commenced with opening remarks, followed by a Gender performance and Lontar reading presented by Ida Bagus Made Gunawan of Samsara Living Museum. The evening continued with two cultural literacy sessions featuring prominent voices in Indonesian cultural preservation and the arts.

The discussion highlighted the importance of viewing Indonesian heritage as one connected cultural story, while making the knowledge preserved in Lontar more accessible to today’s audiences. It also explored the balance between preservation, education, and tourism, emphasizing the role of cultural experiences in fostering appreciation while safeguarding traditions for future generations. Looking ahead, the session highlighted engaging younger generations through relevant storytelling, education, and contemporary experiences as essential to keeping Indonesia’s rich heritage alive.

The first session featured Bagus Agung Gunarthawa, widely known as Gus Agung, Founder of Samsara Living Museum, and Iskandar Eko Priyotomo, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Bali Cultural Heritage Preservation Office. Their discussion explored the connections between Indonesia’s regional heritage, the significance of Lontar as a source of cultural knowledge, and the importance of preserving cultural integrity amid growing interest in heritage tourism.

The second session featured Bruce W. Carpenter, an art historian, author, and specialist in Indonesian art and culture, who shared further perspectives on Indonesia’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

More than an exhibition, Heroes, Gods and Guardians aims to serve as a platform for cultural literacy, dialogue, and appreciation. By bringing together cultural practitioners, scholars, artists, heritage institutions, and audiences, the program encourages a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s cultural identity and the importance of keeping its traditions alive.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making cultural heritage relevant to contemporary life while creating opportunities for younger generations to engage with the stories, values, and artistic expressions that form part of Indonesia’s living heritage.

“At The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, we believe that true hospitality is about creating meaningful connections. Through Heroes, Gods and Guardians, we are honored to share the richness of Indonesia’s living heritage with our guests, while celebrating the stories, traditions, and cultural values that continue to inspire generations.” Said Ed Brea, General Manager, The Meru Sanur & Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection

For The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, the exhibition further strengthens their commitment to creating meaningful experiences that connect guests and communities with Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy.

Heroes, Gods and Guardians will remain on display at The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection until February 2027, inviting guests to explore the enduring stories, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

As a continuation of our collaboration with Samsara Living Museum, The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection invites guests to journey beyond the exhibition and discover Balinese culture as a living, evolving heritage. Through lontar manuscripts, performances, and stories, the exhibition offers a deeper understanding of the symbolism, rituals, and values passed down through generations. The journey continues in Karangasem, where hotel and resort guests can experience Balinese traditions and living heritage first-hand through an immersive visit to Samsara Living Museum. Available at an additional charge, the experience provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with the cultural traditions and stories explored through the exhibition.

For those wishing to delve deeper into the world of Balinese masks and their stories, Bruce’s book is also available in the Presidential Suites at The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, offering an opportunity to further explore the heritage, philosophy, and artistry behind these remarkable cultural expressions. 

The Meru Sanur
Jl. Hang Tuah, Denpasar, Bali
Phone: +62 361 2012000
Website
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Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection
Jl. Hang Tuah, Denpasar, Bali
Phone: +62 361 2012000
Website
Instagram