President Jokowi Calls for Professional Maintenance of Besakih Temple Following Revitalization

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (03/13) officiated the facilities of sacred areas within the compound of the Besakih Great Temple in Karangasem regency, Bali province.

In his remarks, President Jokowi said that after the revitalization, facilities in the temple areas must be managed properly and professionally.

“Building good, grand facilities will be easier than managing and maintaining them. For that reason, I really want to entrust you with taking care of the facilities, which have been built by the central and the provincial governments with substantial funds, as mentioned earlier by Mr. Governor, with good management, professional management,” the President said.

The President also ordered that competent management be provided to bridge various existing interests.

“Involve Besakih Village and Besakih Customary Village. Give opportunities to the communities to participate and contribute,” he said.

The President added that Besakih Great Temple is a sacred temple, not only for Hindus in Bali but also for Hindus throughout the archipelago.

This temple, he added, is also widely visited, especially during major ceremonies such as the Bhatara Turun Kabeh ceremony held every Sasih Kedasa (the first day of the tenth month of the Saka year).

“We must protect this holy temple. We must take care of it with respect so Hindus and visitors who come to Besakih Great Temple can feel its sanctity. Because with the maintenance of sacredness, the maintenance of cleanliness, the maintenance of neatness, it will also become a beautiful place,” he said.

The President also said that to anticipate an increase in the number of Hindus and visitors to Besakih Grand Temple, he has ordered Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono and Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster to revitalize the area in 2021.

The revitalization will be carried out in two areas, namely the Bencingah area and the Manik Mas area, by building various supporting infrastructure so the people can feel more comfortable when worshipping and the Besakih Great Temple can maintain its sanctity.

“The rising arrival of believers and visitors without proper arrangement, without prior anticipation, will cause chaos and inconvenience,” he said. (TGH/UN) (FI/EP)