Balinese Hindu's Seek to Protect Holy Temple at GWK Complex
(4/25/2009) Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) officials have asked for the assistance from the highest ranking Hindu organization in Bali (PHDI) and the Department of Religious affairs to help mediate a long-standing conflict between the cultural park and local residents over the Pura Majapahit temple located within the boundaries of the 230-hectare facility.
The controversy centers around the desire of GWK's management to move the contested temple to a new location and the steadfast insistence that the temple be maintained in situ and local residents be allowed unfettered access to the religious site.
In recent weeks, local residents surrounding the GWK complex have launched protests and religious parades through the park, including a demonstration that briefly blocked the park's entrance on March 30, 2009.
Meetings held between GWK's management and local local Hindu devotees living in close proximity to the park have reached an impasse, prompting GWK to seek outside mediation of the problem.
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