Bali prays for tsunami victims in Japan

Thousands of people flocked to Uluwatu Temple on Saturday afternoon to offer their prayers and support for the people of Japan, who continue to struggle in the aftermath of an earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear catastrophe.

Dubbed “Pray for Japan”, the public event was organized by the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI).

Executives and tourism industry employees formed the bulk of attendees.

The event was also attended by students, religious figures, community leaders and domestic and foreign visitors who were visiting Uluwatu that afternoon and decided to join the event.

Participants encircled the outer rim of Uluwatu, a historic temple built on a rocky cliff projecting above the ocean.

The temple is one of the most renowned on the island and one of the most sacred temples for Balinese Hindus.

It is believed that Danghyang Nirartha, a 15th century Hindu sage who laid the groundwork for modern Hinduism, achieved a state of ultimate union with God at the temple.

PHRI Bali chapter chair Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati said that Balinese wished to show their support and solidarity for the people of Japan at the event. He noted that Japan was one of the island’s top tourism markets but said that was not the motive behind the event.

“From a cultural perspective, the Japanese and Balinese are very close to each other. We share similar ethical and moral values. The people of Japan have also repeatedly shown their generous support to the Balinese when this island was in its darkest hour. This event is motivated purely by a spirit of friendship and the sincere wish that the people of Japan will be able to overcome this tragedy,” he said.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said the mass prayer was an acknowledgement that the human race was all part of the same family.

“The pain experienced by the people of Japan is our pain. On behalf of the Balinese, I offer my sincerest condolences to the people of Japan and may the Almighty strengthen their spirit to face the difficult days ahead,” he said.

After presenting simple offerings of fresh flower petals and fragrant incense, participants offered their prayers in silence.

Makiko Iskandar of Bali Rasa Sayang — an umbrella organization for travel and tour agencies focusing on the Japanese market — expressed her gratitude toward the organizers and the participants at the event.

“We are deeply moved by this downpouring of sympathy and support. I must say that the support and prayers we received from every corner of the globe have strengthened our will and rejuvenated our spirit,” she said.

Makiko, who also manages the Japan Club in Bali, said that her organization had organized a fundraising campaign from March 22 to 26 and had collected Rp 200 million (US$23,000) that would be given to the Red Cross in Japan. Another fundraiser will be held on April 22. The club has 500 members.

Bali’s PHRI chapter will organize another event for Japan on Tuesday night. Dubbed “Love and Friendship for Japan”, the event will take place at the Bajra Sandhi monument in Renon and will feature scores of art performances.