Candi Wasan Enters 24th Archaeological Phase in Gianyar

Gianyar — Archaeological work at the Wasan temple site in Sukawati, Gianyar, has reached its 24th research phase, with a two‑week excavation focusing on possible supporting structures northeast of the main temple according to local archaeological authorities and media reports.

The site is located at Pura Puseh Wasan in Banjar Blahtanah, Batuan Kaler Village, along the Denpasar–Gianyar corridor. A team from the Bali, NTB and NTT Archaeological Center (Balai Arkeologi) conducted the latest phase over 14 days from Saturday 10 June to Friday 23 June, involving 12 researchers. Reports describe this as the 24th round of research at Wasan.

The current phase continues earlier work that identified a stone‑built temple and a large water basin at the site. Previous investigations documented a temple constructed from stacked stone with a base around 11 metres long and 8 metres wide, and a height of about 13 metres, together with a basin roughly 22 metres in length, 7 metres in width and 3 metres deep. These structures have been restored by Bali’s cultural heritage preservation agency (Balai Pelestarian Cagar Budaya/Balai Pelestarian Purbakala).

Latest findings and interpretation

According to reporting on the 24th phase, the team is targeting structures that may function as supporting buildings for the main temple. The work builds on a 2016 discovery of a structure made from batu padas (tufa), interpreted as part of an auxiliary building linked to the principal shrine.

Archaeologists have recorded additional structural elements of tufa measuring about 167 centimetres by 135 centimetres, preserved in six visible layers with a height of 58 centimetres, which are understood as parts of supporting constructions for the temple complex. At the time of reporting, researchers were still analysing the function of these remains and had not released a definitive interpretation.

Scholarly and official publications describe Wasan as a multi‑component archaeological complex including a temple, basin, structural remains, sculptural fragments and ceramics. Artefacts recovered at the site include a four‑faced figure, Ganesha, a lingga‑yoni, animal figures and other sculptural components, indicating sustained religious activity. Based on stylistic assessment of the architecture and statuary, researchers from Indonesia’s archaeology agencies date the main phase of the complex to around the 14th–15th centuries CE.

Site significance and tourism potential

Bali’s heritage authorities classify Candi Wasan as a cultural heritage site with high archaeological significance. Official assessments note that the remains are distributed across three related locations: Pura Kawitan Puseh Wasan Watunginte, Pura Ulun Suwi and Pura Puseh Wasan (Candi Wasan), forming a broader temple landscape.

Because of its monumental temple, distinctive plan and associated sculptures, the site has been identified in academic work and official reports as having potential for development as a community‑based cultural tourism attraction. One study on post‑restoration management of Candi Wasan discusses how the redeveloped temple and basin could support cultural tourism while involving local residents in decision‑making and maintenance.

Local media have also reported proposals to promote Wasan as a spiritual tourism destination, citing its location on a main traffic corridor and existing interest from visitors. Any such development, researchers argue, will need to balance tourism access with conservation of the temple fabric, basin and buried structures, given that excavation has not yet fully revealed the extent of the complex.

Long‑running research program

Archaeological interest in Wasan dates back several decades. Indonesia’s archaeology institutions recorded and investigated remains at Pura Puseh Wasan between the mid‑1980s and early 2000s, documenting the temple, basin, statues and ritual deposits. Subsequent campaigns by Balai Arkeologi and Balai Pelestarian Cagar Budaya continued into the 2000s and 2010s, combining excavation, restoration and interpretive studies.

The current 24th phase is presented in local reporting as part of this long‑term program, aimed at clarifying the layout of the temple compound and the relationship between the main shrine, its supporting structures and the surrounding ritual features. Researchers and heritage managers emphasise that understanding this broader layout is essential both for academic reconstruction of the site’s history and for any future tourism or public access planning.

Sources

• NusaBali – Candi Wasan Digarap Jadi Objek Wisata Spiritual
• Pengelolaan Situs Candi Wasan Pascapemugaran dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Pariwisata Budaya Berbasis Masyarakat – Udayana University Journal Article
• Forum Arkeologi Volume 26 No. 3 November 2013 – Article on Pura Puseh Wasan
• Balai Pelestarian Cagar Budaya Bali – Nilai Penting Tinggalan Arkeologi di Situs Candi Wasan
• TEMUAN GERABAH DI PURA WASAN, BLAHBATUH, GIANYAR (Suatu Pendekatan Etnoarkeologis) – Academia.edu