“We have just finished installing the torso and the head of the Garuda, one of the most critical stages of the construction process,”His comments referred to Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a gigantic monument he first conceptualized back in 1993. “It was very challenging technically because the bust of the 22-m tall Garuda protrudes 30-m outward from the statue’s inner core. Designed to be the country’s tallest statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana was inspired by Hindu mythology about the search for Amerta (the elixir of life). “The difficulty level is incomparable to the other projects because Garuda Wisnu Kencana is colossal in size and also very elaborately decorated,” he said, gesturing toward the richly ornamented crown of Garuda. “Hopefully, Garuda Wisnu Kencana will serve as a reminder throughout that divisive period about our cultural roots as a tolerant and multicultural nation,” he said.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 29, 2017 23:48 UTC