Hindus `must balance' religious, state duties

DENPASAR: Indonesia Hindu University lecturer I Gusti Made Ngurah advised Balinese Hindus on Sunday to find a balance between their religious duties as Hindu adherents and their duties as citizens of the state.

He pointed out that on April 9, the state would hold legislative elections, while Balinese Hindus would organize the all-important Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh ritual at Besakih Mother Temple.

"We must find a balance on that day," Ngurah said.

The two important events, he argued, should not be treated differently.

"It is impossible to skip the elections or the great ceremony that day. Therefore, I call on Bali residents to help all related parties in making the two events run well and successfully." -JP