Hundreds of protesters from the Yayasan Kesatria Keris Bali gathered at the Bali Provincial DPRD office on Friday, 7 February 2025, demanding the closure of entertainment venues they accuse of disrespecting Hindu religious symbols.
The protest erupted after videos circulated online showing a nightclub event at Atlas Club featuring an animated projection of Lord Shiva.
Chanting Maju Tak Gentar as they entered the council building, the demonstrators carried banners reading, “Shut down clubs that disrespect Hindu religious symbols” and “Close Atlas Club for desecrating Hindu symbols.”
Call for Accountability
Before discussions began inside the Wantilan hall of the DPRD building, protest leader I Nyoman Agung Sariawan addressed the crowd, stating their presence was to uphold justice in Bali.
“We are here to seek fairness for Bali. Please respect the existing rules to avoid legal issues,” he declared.
The protest follows an uproar over a visual backdrop depicting the Hindu deity Shiva during a DJ performance at Atlas Super Beach Club.
Apology from Atlas and Response to Legal Notice
Atlas Super Club has issued an apology, acknowledging that the use of the image was unintentional and caused distress among Hindu communities. Representatives from the club met with the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) Bali on Thursday, 6 February, to formally apologize.
PHDI Bali Chairman Nyoman Kenak confirmed the meeting, stating that around six Atlas representatives attended and explained that the incident was due to a lack of oversight.
“It was an oversight. A staff member took the image of Shiva from the internet and used it as a background during the performance on 30 January at around 23.40 Wita,” Kenak said.
The meeting followed a legal notice issued by PHDI Bali, which had given Atlas seven days to respond.
While PHDI acknowledged Atlas’ willingness to apologize, Kenak noted that the incident still caused discomfort among Hindus. He added that the organization would consult with experts to determine whether Atlas should issue a formal written apology and conduct a Guru Piduka purification ceremony during the upcoming Saraswati celebration.
Plans for Guru Piduka Ceremony and Increased Oversight
Following pressure from Hindu organizations in Bali, Atlas Super Club has pledged to hold the Guru Piduka ceremony on Saturday, 8 February 2025, as a gesture of atonement.
In a statement on its official website, Atlas reiterated that the incident was a technical and procedural mistake, emphasizing that it had no intention of offending religious values.
“We fully understand that this incident has caused discomfort to the Hindu community, especially in Bali,” the statement read.
Atlas also claimed to have taken firm action against those responsible and vowed to be more cautious in screening entertainment content in the future. The club said it would coordinate with PHDI Bali, Banjar Adat Berawa in Desa Tibubeneng, and local security officials regarding the upcoming ceremony.
Separately, Badung Regency’s Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) summoned Atlas representatives on Monday, 3 February, to clarify the incident. Agency head I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara stated that the nightclub admitted fault, explaining that the image had been downloaded online and used without proper screening.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
PHDI Bali has urged local authorities to impose stricter sanctions to prevent similar incidents. Kenak suggested that the incoming Bali governor and other officials should consider implementing regional regulations or policies to address such violations.
“A strong example was set when Governor Koster deported foreigners who violated Bali’s rules. Similar firm measures should be applied here to prevent future incidents,” he said.
Despite the nightclub’s apology and planned atonement ceremony, Friday’s protesters remained steadfast in their demands for stronger enforcement to safeguard religious symbols in Bali’s entertainment industry.
