“This is a tangible concern for (meeting) spiritual needs of Hindu workers in this industrial area,” the ministry's Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, I Nengah Duija, remarked here on Tuesday.
The inauguration featured the Ngenteg Linggih ceremony, a traditional Hindu ritual seeking the presence of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty) in the newly constructed sacred temple.
Pura Satya Dharma is the first permanent place of worship for Hindus employed in the industrial park.
The temple was established with the support and contributions of a local company.
Duija expressed hope that the temple would serve as a center of worship for Hindus from various ethnic backgrounds, reflecting spiritual values and fostering harmony and a positive workplace culture within the industrial environment.
“We hope this temple will serve not only Balinese Hindus but also Hindus from other ethnic groups,” he stated.
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Meanwhile, Head of the Batam Religious Affairs Office, Budi Dermawan, stated that the inauguration reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling the spiritual needs of all religious communities, including Hindus.
“Today, we launch a new temple for Hindus in the Muka Kuning area. We hope this meets the needs of the Hindu community in practicing their faith,” he stated.
The Batam Religious Affairs Office has also assigned a Hindu religious counselor to the temple and provided operational budget support to ensure the continuity of religious activities.
“We support not only through funding but also by offering spiritual guidance,” he remarked.
Currently, the Hindu population in Batam is estimated at around 1,200 people, residing in various parts of the city.
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Translator: Amandine, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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