T

he Bali provincial administration is working on a special bylaw prohibiting tourism-related business on the island from using any Hindu religious symbols or names on their premises, in holiday packages or any other programs.

I Wayan Suastika, head of the province’s culture office, told reporters on Wednesday, that the planned bylaw on cultural tourism would contain specific regulations and requirements on the operation of cultural-based tourism including strict regulation on the use of Hindu symbols.

“Currently, some players in the tourism industry frequently use symbols of Hinduism just to attract as many visitors as possible without fully understanding the real meaning of the symbols,” Suastika said.

He added that using such sacred symbols often created tensions between the tourism businesses and religious leaders and followers.

Citing an example, Suastika said that a few years ago a luxury golf course in Bali promoted itself by placing a golf ball on Canangsari, a colorful flower arrangement placed on young coconut leaf baskets that are used by Hindu people in their prayers.

“Such misleading advertisements have sparked anger and controversy among the locals,” Suastika said, adding that the tourism industry must be more sensitive.

Other hotels, villas and spas have also “exploited” sacred Hindu figures and symbols for commercial purposes.

The bylaw would impose harsh sanctions against violators. Anyone who violates the planned bylaw would face six months in jail at the maximum and a Rp 50 million (US$5850) fine.

Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, head of the province’s tourism office, shared that opinion, saying that the present Bylaw on Tourism No. 3, issued in 1991, was no longer relevant to the current tourism activities.

“This [1991] bylaw is already out of date and needs revisions to anticipate uncontrollable tourism activities in Bali,” Subhiksu said.

Meanwhile, Cokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, a prominent figure of Puri Ubud royalty, said he fully agreed with the issuance of a new bylaw on tourism.

“I’m so concerned over improper use of Hindu names or symbols in many places in Bali,” said Sukawati, popularly known as Cok Ace, the regent of Gianyar.

Cok Ace gave as an example the use of Acyntya, a symbol of the greatness of God in Hinduism, in ornaments and decorations.

Cok Ace, who is also chairman of the Bali chapter of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants, urged the local authorities and prominent community and religious leaders to clearly define any
sacred symbols and names in Hinduism that could not be used or applied in commercial and profane activities.