William Shakespeare wrote in “Romeo and Juliet”: ...”What is in a name? That which we call a rose. By other name will smell as sweet.” This phrase perhaps came to the mind of the owner — or owners as reported by some — of the new Buddha Bar in Jakarta, after Indonesian Buddhists protested the use Buddha’s name for a bar, just one in an international-chain.

The location of the bar has also some into question as it occupies the historic immigration building in Central Jakarta. When the almost century old building was renovated, with tax payer money, the city authorities indicated that it would be converted into a public venue for cultural purposes.

It is very clear that it is only a matter of time before Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo closes down the hangout to avoid more protests, not just from Buddhists. The owners can only lament that Shakespeare’s saying is not enough to calm down the protesters. Big financial loses will be unavoidable because the bar opened  only in December. The workers will only add to the very long list of jobless people in this country.

In Paris, where the Buddha Bar was established in 1996, or in other cosmopolitan cities, Buddha’s name perhaps becomes a magnet for visitors because of its exoticism. According to one Website, the bars offer their guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy cosmopolitan culinary dishes around a huge statue of Buddha.

But this is Indonesia. Shakespeare’s saying does not mean much for the Buddhists who are offended by the bar’s name. Some may argue that the protesters are just following the behavior of followers of other religions here, who are often over sensitive with anything they regard as offensive to their religion. These people often forget that their daily deeds are actually more offensive to their religion than those of the people they accuse of humiliating their faith.

It is also questionable why the owner of Jakarta’s Buddha Bar — the daughter of former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso —does not have even a little religious sensitivity. In Indonesia, religious issues often spark protests. It is very hard to imagine that the thought that allowing people to drink in front of a statue of Buddha might spark anger from Indonesian Buddhists never crossed the minds of the bar’s owners.

For many Indonesians, not just Buddhists, it is ridiculous that then name of Buddha has been used for a restaurant chain where visitors come to enjoy luxury food and drinks. A six-meter tall Buddha statue is erected inside the restaurant, as if acting as the protector of visitors, including those who drink too much.

Governor Fauzi Bowo must prioritize the preservation of the historical building; it is hard to believe that the city administration does not have enough funds for it. With a little creativity the building could be used to serve the public interests. The choice of name is not wise here, and this is a lesson for all of us.

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