Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inauguration of Besakih Great Temple’s Sacred Area Facilities in Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, March 13, 2023

Om swastiastu,

Honorable holy priests, local priests, especially priests of Besakih Great Temple,

Honorable Ministers of Indonesia Onward Cabinet,

Honorable Governor and spouse, Vice Governor, Speaker of Regional House of Representatives, and Regents and Vice Regents throughout Bali, as well as members of the Bali Regional Leadership Communication Forum,

Honorable Chairperson of the Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI), heads of religious organizations, community figures, village institutions, and customary villages throughout Bali,

Ladies and gentlemen, and all my beloved Balinese people,

Today, I am very happy to visit Besakih Great Temple, a very sacred temple. The temple is highly revered not only by Hindus in Bali but also by Hindus across the archipelago.

We must protect this sacred temple. We must take care of it with respect so that Hindus and visitors alike who visit the Besakih Great Temple can feel the sacred aura. With the preservation of purity, cleanliness, and neatness, it will also be a beautiful place.

It has long been known that the Besakih Temple has a large number of visitors and is always crowded, 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), not only from Bali, but Hindus from all over the country will also visit the temple to pray.The rising number of believers and visitors without proper arrangement, without prior anticipation, would cause chaos and inconvenience.

Therefore, in 2021, I ordered and asked Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Mr. Basuki to revitalize the Besakih Temple Area together with Bali Governor. It was carried out in two areas, namely the Bencingah area and the Manik Mas area by building various supporting infrastructures so that visitors can feel more comfortable when worshiping and the Besakih Grand Temple can maintain its sanctity.

My Esteemed Guests,

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 and professional management.

Management must be provided with good competence so as to be able to bridge the various existing interests. Involve Besakih Village and Besakih Customary Village. Give opportunities to the communities to participate and contribute.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion.

And by asking for the blessing of the One God, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, I hereby officially inaugurate the revitalization of the Besakih Temple Area.

I thank you.

Om santi santi santi om.

(FI/EP)