Taman Mayura: A Royal Garden in Mataram, Indonesia

Site at a Glance

Rating

★4.4

Popularity

Medium

Country

Indonesia

Primary era

Modern

Eras represented

Modern

Civilizations

Unclassified

Site type

Domestic

Remains

Park

History

Taman Mayura is a royal garden in Mataram, Indonesia, built in 1866 by Anak Agung Gde Ngurah Karangasem as a complement to the palace complex. The garden formed part of the historical centre of Sasak Mataram and later survived the destruction of Cakranegara Palace.

The Kingdoms of Lombok

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Lombok was divided among several small kingdoms. A war followed by unification in 1838 left two major kingdoms, Sasak Singasari and Sasak Mataram.

In 1839, Sasak Mataram defeated Sasak Singasari, although the Mataram king died in the fighting. His two sons were the crown prince Gde Ngurah Karangasem and Anak Agung Ketut Ngurah Karangasem.

The Palace and Garden

During the middle of the nineteenth century, the crown prince began a new palace complex on the site of the former Singasari palace. Completed in 1866, it was first known as Singasari Palace and was later renamed Cakranegara Palace. Its western palace building was called Puri Ukir Kawi.

The garden east of the palace was initially known as Taman Kelepug, a name associated with the sound of springs in its pond. It was later renamed Mayura Garden when peacocks were kept there. Anak Agung Gde Ngurah Karangasem also used part of the garden as a residence while resting there, in the area now identified as Padmasana.

War and Colonial Administration

During the war between Sasak Mataram and the Dutch, Bale Kambang was used to store weapons and gunpowder. After the Dutch government took control, the building was converted into a courtroom. The northern building became the office of the Assistant Resident, a Dutch colonial administrative official, and the Cakranegara District office, which served as the local administrative headquarters.

After the Dutch defeat of Sasak Mataram and the destruction of Cakranegara Palace, Taman Mayura and the Lombok royal treasure remained from the palace complex.

Remains

Garden Layout

Taman Mayura has a rectangular plan measuring approximately 244.60 metres from north to south and 138.50 metres from east to west, with an area of about 33,877.10 square metres. Located approximately two kilometres east of Mataram, the garden is organised around a central pond. Bale Kambang stands over the middle of the water, while four open buildings of different sizes surround the pond.

Buildings and Garden Features

Bale Kambang

Bale Kambang is a pavilion situated over water at the centre of the pond. During the conflict between Sasak Mataram and the Dutch, it served as a store for weapons and gunpowder. Under Dutch administration, it was reused as a courtroom.

Northern Administrative Building

The building on the northern side of the garden later served as the office of the Assistant Resident and the Cakranegara District office. Its administrative use formed part of the colonial reuse of the former palace grounds.

Statues and Cannons

Three pairs of statues depicting a Muslim leader in traditional Banjar clothing stand on the eastern, southern, and western sides of the Bale Kambang courtyard. A bronze cannon is positioned near the entrance to Bale Kambang, while an iron cannon stands near the park entrance.