Famous Sculptures In Brunei: A Cultural Icon

Sculpture in Brunei is more utilitarian than aesthetic, with a focus on functional items like bowls and tools. While sculpting is not widely practised in the country, there are several notable sculptures in Brunei. One of these is the Mercu Dirgahayu 60 monument, which was a gift from the people of Brunei to the Sultan, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, on his 60th birthday. It is located on the waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan and features symbolism that represents the Sultan's leadership and the Muslim faith. Another notable sculpture is located at the ASEAN Square in Damuan Recreational Park, which showcases the work of sculptors from the original six ASEAN member countries, including Brunei. The sculptures at the ASEAN Square were created during the Fourth ASEAN Square Sculpture Symposium in 1986 and symbolise Harmony in Diversity.

The sculpture at Persiaran Damuan, Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is a small but pleasant town that lies on the banks of the Brunei River. The town is the capital and main commerce centre of Brunei and is steeped in rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Taman Rekreasi Persiaran Damuan, or the Persiaran Damuan Recreational Park, is a scenic park in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is a one-kilometre stretch of land sandwiched between the Bandar Seri Begawan-Tutong Road and the Damuan River. The park offers a fantastic view of Istana Nurul Iman, the lavish palace and residence of the Sultan of Brunei. It is also a popular spot for jogging, with walkways and a well-equipped playground. In the evenings, there are several food stalls.

The park features six outdoor sculptures by artists from the original six ASEAN member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. The sculptures were completed during the Fourth ASEAN Square Sculpture Symposium, which took place from 11 January to 24 February 1986. Each sculptor was assisted by four students from the Jefri Bolkiah College of Engineering and the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College. The sculptures were unveiled to the public on 12 December 1987 and range in height from 3 metres to nearly 6.5 metres, with the heaviest weighing several tons.

The sculptures are based on the theme of "Harmony in Diversity", symbolising ASEAN solidarity and the aspirations of its member countries: love, peace, freedom and mutual respect. Each sculpture reflects the unique concepts and creativity of the artists. For example, the sculpture by 42-year-old Haji Marsidi Haji Akip from Brunei is titled "The World of ASEAN", reflecting the formation and growth of ASEAN as an organisation. Meanwhile, the sculpture by 53-year-old Eduardo Castrillo from the Philippines is titled "Brunei Entelechy", featuring the Muslim crescent moon motif to signify tradition and structurally extended to represent atomic energy and the impetus of modern development.

The 'Mercu Dirgahayu 60' sculpture

The Mercu Dirgahayu 60 sculpture is a gilded fountain monument dedicated to the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, on the occasion of his 60th birthday. It was erected in 2006 (or 2007) and is located on the waterfront of Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. The sculpture was designed by a local architect and features a tall, bent column that shows the number 60 in Arabic, facing upward to signify the Sultan's foresight and visionary leadership. The steel cable supporting the number represents the strong relationship between the ruler and his subjects. The five pillars at the base of the sculpture symbolize the five obligatory Muslim duties, while the fountain of water sprouting from the pillars reflects the peace and prosperity of Brunei. The fishing net design pays homage to the water village lifestyle of fishing.

The Mercu Dirgahayu 60 sculpture is particularly striking at night when it is illuminated and the whole structure acquires an ethereal luminosity. It adds to the atmosphere of the waterfront, which has been developed with an art gallery, cafes, restaurants, and shopping outlets. The sculpture is one of many tributes to the Sultan of Brunei scattered around the country.

The name Mercu Dirgahayu 60 translates to "Long Life, Your Highness 60 Monument". "Dirgahayu" comes from the Sanskrit words "Dirgha", meaning long, and "Ayu", meaning life, thus "Dirgahayu" means "long life", the equivalent of "Long Live the King". "Mercu" in Malay translates to apex or vertex, the highest point.

The Sultan of Brunei is the richest and most powerful man in the country, and his people hold him in high regard for his leadership and the prosperity he has brought to the nation. However, he has also been involved in controversies, such as the declaration that acts of homosexuality are punishable by death, which has drawn condemnation from around the world.

The ASEAN Square in Brunei Darussalam

The theme of the sculptures is "Harmony in Diversity," symbolizing ASEAN solidarity and the aspirations of its member countries: love, peace, freedom, and mutual respect. The sculptures vary in height, ranging from 3 meters to nearly 6.5 meters, with the heaviest weighing several tons. They were crafted by talented sculptors, each assisted by four students from the Jefri Bolkiah College of Engineering and the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College.

The sculptures are abstract in nature, reflecting the inner thoughts and creativity of their creators in the ASEAN context. For example, Brunei Darussalam's sculpture, titled "The World of ASEAN," depicts the formation of ASEAN and the internal diversity of its member countries. Indonesia's sculpture, "The Goals of ASEAN," symbolizes the unity of ASEAN countries and their future growth towards peace and mutual understanding. Malaysia's contribution, "The Emerging Kubah (Domes)," represents the harmonious relationship between two symmetrical halves of nature.

The Brunei Entelechy sculpture

The sculpture is freestanding and environmental, facing the sunrise and the Royal Palace as a gesture of tribute. It stands tall, with the sculptures at the ASEAN Square ranging in height from 3 metres to nearly 6.5 metres, with the heaviest weighing several tons. The Brunei Entelechy sculpture, along with the other artworks at the ASEAN Square, symbolises ASEAN solidarity and the aspirations of its member countries, including love, peace, freedom, and mutual respect.

The creation of the ASEAN Square sculptures was a collaborative effort, with each sculptor assisted by four students from the Jefri Bolkiah College of Engineering and the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College. The sculptors also gave talks on various aspects of their arts during the symposium. The completion of these sculptures and their display at the ASEAN Square in Brunei Darussalam is a testament to the talent and skill of the artists and a showcase of the diverse concepts and creativity within the ASEAN context.

The Harmony in Diversity sculptures

The theme of these sculptures is "Harmony in Diversity," symbolising ASEAN solidarity and the aspirations of its member countries: love, peace, freedom, and mutual respect. Each sculpture reflects the inner thoughts and creativity of its artist within the ASEAN context.

For example, the sculpture representing Brunei Darussalam, created by 42-year-old Mr Haji Marsidi Haji Akip, is titled "The World of ASEAN." It symbolises the formation of ASEAN and the internal diversity of its member countries in various aspects of life, such as politics, culture, and economics. The sculpture from Indonesia, titled "The Goals of ASEAN," by Mr Husna, a 50-year-old freelance sculptor, depicts a tree with six fruits, symbolising the future growth of cooperation and harmony among ASEAN countries.

Malaysia's sculpture, "The Emerging Kubah (Domes)," by Mr Latif Mohiddin, a sculptor, painter, and poet, explores the harmonious relationship between two symmetrical halves of nature. The Philippines' contribution, "Brunei Entelechy," by sculptor, painter, and art jeweller Mr Eduardo Castrillo, features the motif of the Muslim crescent moon, signifying tradition, and swirling forms that symbolise atomic energy and modern development.

Singapore's "United Profile" by Mr Michael Ong Chu Keng, a sculptor and designer, stands as a free-standing sculpture resembling a tree, with six forms representing the growth and unity of the ASEAN member countries. Finally, Thailand's sculpture, "Movement" by teacher Mr Saravudth Duangjumpa, symbolises "Harmony in Diversity" through the use of geometric and organic elements, reflecting the activities and encouragement of ASEAN.

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