(Incidents involving the desecration of sacred places in Bali) have been recurring, and we have often learned of the cases only after several days have passedDenpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - A joint commitment must be forged to prevent tourists from misbehaving in and desecrating places considered sacred in Bali, regional secretary of the province, Dewa Made Indra, has said.
“(Incidents involving the desecration of sacred places in Bali) have been recurring, and we have often learned of the cases only after several days have passed," Indra informed after attending a plenary session of the regional legislature here on Monday.
He made the statement in response to an incident involving a foreign tourist, who reportedly sat on a palinggih (Balinese Hindu altar) at Pura Luhur Trate Bang, Tabanan, Bali, consecrated by Hindus, and shared the picture on their social media on Saturday (October 1, 2022).
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Locals vehemently criticized the tourist over his behavior, saying his action was tantamount to desecrating the sacred area. The tourist has since apologized.
The responsibility of maintaining order and preventing disrespectful behavior at sacred places cannot be borne solely by the government, Indra said.
"Tourists are accompanied by travel agents and their guides, hence, they must have the same commitment with the regional authority," the regional secretary stressed.
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The commitment is needed to prevent late action from the government in responding to such incidents, he said.
"The government does not accompany tourists who roam in Bali. Often, (an incident) becomes known long after its occurrence, and officials cannot take action against the perpetrators," Indra explained.
If an incident becomes known earlier, the authority can take action against the perpetrators before they depart from Bali, he added.
"The governor could promptly coordinate with the travel agent and the regional law and human rights ministry office to repatriate (the perpetrator) to their home country," the regional secretary remarked.
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Translator: Ni Luh Rhismawati, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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