Viral Bali Paragliding Video Sparks Debate on Tourist Conduct Near Sacred Sites
A recently circulated video showing paragliders seemingly flying over Pura Gunung Payung, one of Bali’s most revered 16th-century Hindu temples, has ignited public outrage and reignited discussions on the behaviour of tourists around sacred locations.
The footage, shared on social media on August 3, captures a paraglider soaring close to the cliff-top temple in Kutuh Village, South Kuta. The video was reportedly recorded from within the temple grounds during an ongoing religious ritual, intensifying the perception of disrespect among local communities and cultural custodians.
In Balinese Hindu tradition, it is deemed highly inappropriate for anyone to be physically positioned above the highest point of a temple, especially during ceremonial events. This cultural sensitivity was at the heart of the backlash, with many users condemning what they saw as a blatant disregard for religious norms.
Among the prominent voices criticizing the incident was Senator Ni Luh Djelantik, a distinguished representative from the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) for Bali, who called for greater regulation to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident has also spurred wider calls from locals for stricter guidelines governing adventure tourism activities near religious and cultural landmarks.
In response to the controversy, local authorities conducted an on-site investigation to ascertain the facts. Their findings revealed that the paragliding took place outside the designated no-fly zone and that the video’s angle may have created an optical illusion, making it appear as though the paragliders flew directly over the temple when they did not. Officials emphasized that the flight was technically compliant with existing regulations, even though the visual impression led to significant misunderstanding.
This event has sparked a broader conversation regarding the balance between promoting tourism and respecting indigenous traditions. It highlights the need for enhanced awareness and enforcement of culturally sensitive practices, especially in popular tourist destinations like Bali, where spiritual heritage remains deeply cherished by the local population.
As tourism rebounds in Indonesia, stakeholders are urged to work collaboratively to ensure that visitors can enjoy adventure activities without infringing on sacred sites, thereby preserving the cultural integrity and religious sanctity that define Bali’s identity.
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