Kerta Gosa Klungkung: Ancient Royal Court & Palace Art

Kerta Gosa Bali is a historical building located in Klungkung Regency, Bali. Situated in the heart of Klungkung city, just in front of the Regent’s office, this building is about 40 km east of Denpasar, easily accessible via By Pass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra. Part of the Semarapura Palace complex, Kerta Gosa was built in 1686 during the reign of Ida I Dewa Agung Jambe, the first king of the Klungkung Kingdom.

As one of Klungkung Interesting Places to Visit, Kerta Gosa offers visitors the opportunity to admire ancient architecture while learning about the rich history of the Klungkung Kingdom. One of the standout features is Bale Kambang, a building surrounded by a picturesque pond filled with lotus flowers, known as Gili. Inside Bale Kambang, visitors can enjoy traditional paintings that narrate the history and cultural heritage of the Klungkung Kingdom. It is a must-visit destination for those exploring the historical side of Bali.

The Meaning of the Name Behind the Word ‘Kerta Gosa’

The name “Kerta Gosa” has a profound meaning when traced through Sanskrit, as it consists of two syllables. The first part, “Kerta,” written as kertha in Sanskrit, signifies qualities such as goodness, nobility, safety, peace, happiness, and prosperity. The second part, “Gosa,” written as Gosita in Sanskrit, refers to being called, announced, or broadcast. Therefore, “Kerta Gosa” can be interpreted as a symbol of the efforts to attain peace and prosperity.

This building served as a key location where the king convened discussions on matters vital to the kingdom’s peace and prosperity, particularly focusing on issues of security and justice. The significance of this building is closely linked to the royal palace, encompassing aspects of leisure, joy, luxury, and monumental art that represent the essence of the kingdom. Throughout its history, from the royal era to the colonial period, Kerta Gosa operated as a judicial hub, upholding traditional legal practices.

Even under colonial rule, the judicial processes and official attendance followed the established customs of the royal period. Consequently, this building stands as a symbol of transparency and justice, reflecting the local wisdom and the values of justice that were upheld during that time. This historic structure offers a window into how legal matters were handled in the past.

History of Kerta Gosa Building

The Kerta Gosa building has been established since 1700 AD, which can be proven by the andraangkala year number above the entrance of the Kerta Gosa complex. The year number is in the form of Chakra, Yuyu, and Paksi symbols, which is 1661 Saka or around 1700 AD, coinciding with the reign of King Dewa Agung Jambe. This building itself was first built in 1686 by the first holder of power in Klungkung, Ida I Dewa Agung Jambe, who served as King of Klungkung at that time. This building was established in the Klungkung royal complex with the aim of being a place to discuss issues of security, justice and prosperity of the Klungkung kingdom.

This function was similar to a court that provided a sense of justice and comfort for the royal population at that time. During the colonial period, between 1908 and 1942, this building was also used as a courthouse. This can be seen from the equipment of the Kerta Gosa building, such as chairs, tables, and various other equipment, which are decorated with carvings and gold paint (prada), which illustrates the luxury and importance of this building in the context of the court at that time.

Building Complex at Kerta Gosa

The Kerta Gosa complex, an integral part of the Klungkung palace hall, has deep historical significance, with its roots tracing back to the reign of the kingdom between 1686 and 1908. Even during the Dutch colonial period (1908-1942), this building maintained its essential function. The complex is home to various other buildings, including Bale Kambang, which sits atop the Taman Gili pond, and the Royal Gate (Medal Agung).

To the west, you will discover a building that now serves as the Klungkung Museum. This structure, once a Dutch school, features a unique architectural style. Inside the court building, you’ll find tables and chairs with detailed wood carvings, all still decorated with gold (prada) paint. These furnishings stand as significant evidence of the court’s legacy, reflecting the customs and institutions that existed in Klungkung during both the colonial era (1908-1942) and the Japanese occupation (1943-1945).

The Attraction of Kerta Gosa

As one of the cultural heritages of Klungkung Regency, Kerta Gosa has various attractions that are very attractive to tourists, especially for those who are interested in Balinese history. Here are some of the main attractions that can be found at this building:

• Building Structure

  Kerta Gosa consists of two main buildings, Bale Kerta Gosa and Bale Kambang. Bale Kerta Gosa is located at the right corner after the entrance and is the taller building, while Bale Kambang, which is larger, is located in the center and surrounded by a pond. The architectural beauty of these buildings is stunning, but what is even more unique is that the ceilings of both bales are decorated with traditional Kamasan-style paintings, adding to the building’s appeal.

• Wayang Paintings

  On the ceilings of both buildings, there are colorful wayang paintings depicting various cases of trial and sentencing. These paintings also reflect the law of Karma Phala, which is the law of cause and effect of good and bad deeds. In addition, the paintings depict the concept of reincarnation, or the reincarnation of humans back into the world to atone for their sins. The uniqueness of these paintings makes Kerta Gosa a living example of the famous Kamasan Village Wayang paintings in Klungkung.

• Historical Museum

  In the western part of the Kerta Gosa complex, there is a museum that stores various historical artifacts from the Klungkung Kingdom. The museum also displays equipment used by traditional Balinese courts in ancient times, providing a deeper insight into Balinese history and culture.

• Cultural Heritage

  Pemedal Court, located to the west of this building, also exudes precious cultural heritage values. The court gate reflects the distinctive traditional Balinese architecture. The Pemedal Court was a symbol of power (Dewa Agung) in Klungkung for more than 200 years (1686-1908), demonstrating its artistic and historical significance.

More Information About Kerta Gosa

Kerta Gosa has been a tourist attraction rich in history for more than 20 years. If you are interested in exploring the history of Bali or learning more about it, Kerta Gosa is managed by the Klungkung Tourism Office, but to this day, the Kerta Gosa complex remains the property of Puri Klungkung, the heirs of the Klungkung Kingdom.

In the past, Bale Kerta Gosa had an important role as a center of discussion regarding the security, justice, and prosperity of the Kingdom of Bali. In addition, the building also served as a court of law. This building is open to the public every day from 08.00 Wita to 18.00 Wita.

Here are the details of the tour package rates:

• For domestic visitors: IDR 15,000 for children and IDR 25,000 for adults.
• For foreign visitors: IDR 25,000 for children and IDR 50,000 for adults.
• If you are interested in doing a pre-wedding photo session, video clip, or movie shoot, there are additional rates that apply, depending on the needs and type of activities performed.