A Cross-Generational Meeting Point in Singaraja City Centre

One by one, the pavement lights began to glow. The sky, which was initially blue, slowly turned orange. The centre of Singaraja City looked different that afternoon. An area that was once merely passed by vehicles has now transformed into a new public space frequently visited by residents.

In the Praib Mandala Singa Ambara Raja area, residents wander about enjoying the evening atmosphere. Not only the youth, but the area has also become a gathering place for citizens of various generations.

Some are simply sitting, capturing moments, or enjoying the strains of music. In one corner of the pavement, a group of young people appeared to be posing against a backdrop of colonial-style buildings. In front of them, a man in black clothing was busy directing the camera.

“There, that background is good,” said Weda Ariawan, a young photographer from Singaraja, while directing his camera.

Several clicks were heard. After ensuring the results of the photos, the man in his 20s approached them. He then showed the results from his camera.

“Is it good?” Weda asked.

“It’s good, Kak,” replied one of them while giving a thumbs up.

For Weda, Praja Mandala has now become a space for creativity and experimentation. He believes the architecture of the area, which carries a heritage nuance, is suitable as a backdrop for various photography concepts.

“For me, it is more for experimentation. This place has neutral colours, so finding the photo tone is easier,” he said.

Praja Mandala was previously known as the ‘Zero Point’ of Singaraja. The area was subsequently renovated by the Buleleng Regency Government with a heritage concept to revive the historical traces of Singaraja as a heritage city.

The area’s redevelopment utilised a Special Financial Assistance (BKK) from the Badung Regency worth more than Rp 24 billion. Work commenced on 20 February 2026, and the area was later inaugurated through a ‘melaspas’ ceremony on 29 July 2026.

For Weda, the existence of this new public space is not just a place to create. Praja Mandala also provides opportunities to earn an income.

Together with a partner, he opened a photography service with a ‘pay as you wish’ rate called Jedda Photoboject. Many visitors are interested in capturing moments in the area. In a single day, Weda can photograph dozens of people.

“I thought people would pay Rp 2,000 or Rp 5,000. It turns out the average is well above that,” he said.

As residents were still busy taking photos, several cyclists began to arrive. The area has become a place to rest after cycling through the streets of Singaraja.

One of them is Putu Gilang Mas Putra. That afternoon, Gilang arrived with a partner after cycling from the direction of Sambangan.

His legs were still pedalling as he entered the Praja Mandala area. He then slowed his bicycle before stopping. His bike was parked. His gaze shifted towards the west, following the sun as it slowly sank behind the Laksmi Graha building.

“Lately, I have been here quite often. Some friends also make this place a destination. To see the sunset as well,” said Gilang.

According to Gilang, the face of the area has changed significantly after the renovation. Although it appears more modern, the nuance of the past is still felt from the architecture of the buildings, which reminds one of the colonial era.

“This area has changed quite significantly. The management is more modern, but it still provides an artistic impression of the colonial era,” he said.

Afternoon slowly turned into night. Nevertheless, activities in Praja Mandala have not ended. From one corner of Palemahan Kangin, the faint sound of music could be heard. It was not from a grand stage, but merely a keyboard, a microphone, and a group of people who came with a passion for old music.

The strains of old songs caused several visitors to stop. Gradually, the podium was filled with residents sitting to enjoy the performance.

In front of the microphone stood Putu Suwinten. The 76-year-old man, affectionately known as Pan Brosot, sang several old songs, including ‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’ by The Beatles and ‘Party Doll’.

Pan Brosot’s voice drifted through the area. Some visitors joined in singing, while others simply sat enjoying the performance.

“This group exists to fulfil our passion, our hobby of singing,” said Pan Brosot.

That night, Pan Brosot was not the only one singing. Several members of the Old Music Community also contributed songs to entertain the people of Buleleng.

Pan Brosot said the community consists of 14 members. Most of the members are over the age of 70. They come not to seek payment, but to channel their hobby and entertain the public.

“We do not charge a fee. Our vision and mission are to entertain the public while pursuing our hobby,” he explained.

For Suwinten, the biggest problem is not the desire to perform, but the venue. They even once spent around Rp 500,000 just to be able to perform at Singaraja City Park.

“There are many musicians who understand music, but there are no performance venues,” he said.

In Praja Mandala, that problem is somewhat answered. In this area, they are not charged a rental fee. They only need to bring their own equipment. Pan Brosot hopes the area can continue to be a space for music communities to create without being burdened by rental costs.

“Hopefully, there will be attention from the government so that we are given space to create without being charged fees,” he said.