(11/10/2007)
As reported on Balidiscovery.com, the recent destruction of two Balinese temples in Sanur by a Resort developer has been the source of community protests that saw the investor accused of disregarding local religious values and disturbing the natural balance on Bali. [See: Continuing Struggle Between the Sacred and the Profane in Bali]
According to the Bali Post, the investor in the proposed Sanur project - PT Restu Maharani have finally agreed with community demands to completely rebuild the two Pura or temples they demolished on October 1, 2007. At a prolonged community meeting held on November 1, 2007, an agreement between the Investor and local community members was hammered out, with the Investor insisting there was no desire to offend local customs, blaming recent protests on simple "miscommunications."
The three point agreement which has effectively ended the dispute with the Sanur community provides for:
• Pura Sembyangan and Pura Ketapang Kembar to be rebuilt on Sanur beach with the full cost of the project to be borne by the Investor.
• The actual reconstruction of the temples to be carried out by the local village.
• Pura Ketapang Kembar will be maintained in perpetuity with access to worshippers guaranteed by PT Restu Maharani.
Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Om . . .
© Bali
Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced
if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.
