Hence, the ornament could become visually similar to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) in Bali or the Liberty Statue in New York City, which turned green due to the chemical effect though they were initially brownish in color.
"According to Mr. Nyoman Nuarta (who designed the ornament), the oxidation process allows the (Garuda Palace) ornament to turn green, just like the GWK statue," Hadimuljono said here on Tuesday.
The final section of Garuda Palace's metal ornament was installed on July 21, 2024, marking the topping-out stage of Indonesia's newest presidential palace. The Garuda-shaped ornament gives the palace its name.
The metal ornament's installation took almost a year from the time the first section was installed at a ceremony observed by President Joko Widodo on September 17, 2023.
During the topping-off ceremony, sculptor Nuarta informed that the completed Garuda-shaped metal ornament weighs 1,398.3 tons, stands 77 meters tall, and measures over 177 meters in width.
The metal ornament consists of individual 300-kg brass and anti-corrosion steel sections, which were produced at Nuarta's workshop in Bandung, West Java.
Meanwhile, Nusantara Capital Authority's (OIKN) deputy for social, culture, and community empowerment, Alimudin, affirmed that the Garuda Palace reflects "Indonesia-centric development" and dispels decades-long claims that the government is too focused on Java region.
"Even during the New Order era, the saying goes: 'No wonder that Indonesia's western region was more advanced, even the Garuda (Indonesia's national emblem) faced westward,'" he quipped on August 3.
He further said that the head of the Garuda-shaped ornament at the Nusantara palace faces forward, signifying the government's commitment to ensuring equitable development.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
