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Archaeology Students from the Class of 2025 at Udayana University Participated in a Visit to a Graduates User Institution and a Tour of Archaeological Sites in Gianyar.
Denpasar, May 7, 2026 – On Thursday, May 7, 2026, students from the Archaeology Study Program, Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University, Class of 2025, conducted field visits to graduates user Institution and several archaeological sites in Gianyar Regency, Bali. The locations visited included the Bali Regional Office of the Cultural Preservation Office (BPK), the Sarcophagus Museum, Gunung Kawi Temple, and Goa Gajah.
This activity was carried out through a collaboration between the Archaeology Study Program at Udayana University and the Bali Regional Cultural Preservation Office. In general, the activity aims to broaden students’ perspectives, knowledge, and experience through direct observation of archaeological sites and cultural preservation institutions. Through this activity, students are expected to understand the importance of managing historical information and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
In the temple complex on the western side of the river, there are four temples believed to have been dedicated to the consorts of King Sri Udayana Warmadewa. Meanwhile, in the second complex, consisting of five temples on the eastern side of the river, the first temple contains a short inscription reading “haji lumah i jalu,” which means the king was enshrined at Jalu and is associated with King Sri Udayana Warmadewa. In the second temple, there is also the inscription rwa-(da/na) kira, which is linked to his sons, namely Marakata and Anak Wungsu. The other three temples do not contain inscriptions. Meanwhile, the third temple complex, located separately on the southern side of the river and consisting of only one temple, is thought to be associated with an important figure or high-ranking official during the reign of King Sri Udayana Warmadewa.
Following the visit to Gunung Kawi Temple, the activities proceeded to the BPK Regional Office in Bali and the Sarcophagus Museum, located in Bedulu Village, Gianyar Regency. During this visit, the students were accompanied by BPK staff who provided explanations about the various archaeological remains housed in the museum. One of the main collections that caught their attention was the collection of sarcophagus discovered in Bali. Through this visit, the students gained an understanding of the importance of preserving archaeological remains as a source of knowledge and evidence of the past.
The last destination of this activity was the Goa Gajah Site. The students were guided to the Goa Gajah complex, which to this day is still used as a place of worship for Hindus. Inside the cave are several archaeological remains, such as the Tri Lingga and a statue of Ganesha. In front of the cave is a petirtaan with two ponds adorned with six statues of houris serving as water spouts, with three statues in each pond. This petirtaan is still used today for Melukat, or ritual purification, in the Hindu tradition. In addition, the students also visited the southern complex, which houses Buddhist ruins, such as a Buddha statue and several damaged reliefs. This demonstrates the traces of belief diversity that once flourished in the Goa Gajah area.
Through this activity, the Class of 2025 gained a wealth of new knowledge about archaeological sites in Bali, which will serve as valuable resources to support their academic studies. The hands-on field observation experience also provided students with an opportunity to hone their analysis and interpretive skills regarding archaeological remains.
As a closing, the students of the Archaeology Study Program, Class of 2025, express their gratitude to the accompanying lecturers, Mr. Ida Bagus Sapta Jaya, S.S., M.Si., Mr. I Made Agus Julianto, S.S., M.Sc., and Ms. Citra Iqliyah Darojah, M.A., who accompanied and provided explanations throughout the activity. Gratitude is also extended to the senior students of the Archaeology Program who helped guide and assist, ensuring that this activity proceeded smoothly.
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES