Tanah Lot Temple

Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
15th century
The gods of the sea are honored in the Tanah Lot Temple. Since these sacred Hindu buildings were built after a visit by Dang Hyang Nirartha on his holy trip in the fifteenth century, they have never lost their original function. As a result of continued use, Tanah Lot Temple and the attending wooden structures are well maintained by the community. The peril to the structures comes from the forces of sea water erosion, and from efforts to solve this problem. One hundred concrete tetrapods were installed along the shoreline as a way to protect some structures which are situated on a tiny island (itself once part of the mainland but now separated by erosion). These tetrapods greatly compromise the aesthetic integrity of the temple and the natural site. A less visually intrusive solution is needed. The Ministry of Education is hoping that a technical-feasibility study will lead to a more appropriate and effective solution for keeping the sea at bay.