In a landmark event for the Balinese Hindu diaspora, Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mayerfas, inaugurated the first Hindu temple in the country on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
During the ceremony in the Hague, Netherlands, Mayerfas emphasized that the temple represents more than just a place of worship.
“[This temple] symbolizes shared pride, hard work, harmony, tolerance, and the spirit of cooperation.”
For the community of over 250 Balinese Hindus in the Netherlands, the temple is the culmination of years of dreams. Until now, members of this tight-knit community had to rent venues or travel as far as Belgium for major religious celebrations such as Galungan and Kuningan.
A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
The establishment of Pura Shanta Citta Bhuwana has been a labor of love for the Balinese Hindu community and its supporters. Made Aniadi, chairman of the Bali Abdi Samasta Foundation overseeing the project, expressed his gratitude and excitement at seeing the dream materialize.
“We’re so happy that next year’s Galungan and Kuningan celebrations can take place here at our own temple. This is for our children and grandchildren,” Aniadi shared.
The construction was made possible through collaborative efforts, including donations from Indonesian diaspora members in the Netherlands and logistical support from the Indonesian Embassy.
Bali itself contributed by providing the essential building material: black volcanic stones from Karangasem. These stones were shipped via sea from Denpasar to Rotterdam, arriving in March 2024.
A Swift Construction Process Rooted in Expertise
The temple’s construction proceeded remarkably quickly, with skilled artisans from Bali completing the installation of key structures such as the Padmasana (the main shrine) and Panglurah (guardian shrine) in just nine days, from November 19 to 27, 2024.
With its grand inauguration, Pura Shanta Citta Bhuwana has become a new cornerstone of Balinese Hindu life in Europe, setting the stage for future generations to connect with their roots while embracing their place in a multicultural society.
