The first Balinese Hindu temple in Europe has opened in the Netherlands. This is not a tourist project or an art object, but a real temple built by Indonesians according to all the canons of the Hindu religion and in line with the cultural traditions of Bali.
The official opening took place on May 3, 2025, in the small town of Kallenkote, province of Overijssel. The date was chosen intentionally – it's Kuningan Day, one of the main holidays in the Balinese calendar. Hindus believe that on this day the spirits of ancestors, who came to earth on Galungan, return to the heavens.
The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, attended the celebration, not only officially opening the temple but also covering all the costs of the purification and consecration ceremony. He personally invited priests and Brahmins from Bali to Europe and brought the necessary ritual items.
According to him, this is the first Balinese temple in Europe, built as a result of collective efforts by the diaspora. Even the building materials were delivered directly from the island to maintain authenticity.
"I hope Balinese people living in the Netherlands will use this temple not only for religious ceremonies but also as a place of unity, preserving cultural identity, and fostering a sense of community," he added.
The temple is built on the grounds of the Taman Indonesia ethnopark, which belongs to a Dutch family – Marlisa and Diderik Waremans. They donated a plot of land to the Bali Abdi Samasta foundation so that Balinese in Europe could have their own sacred space. The project started in 2023, with funds for construction collected collectively involving the community, the Indonesian Embassy in the Netherlands, and the government of Bali.
The opening was attended by Balinese from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Many arrived with their families, dressed in traditional clothing.
In Overijssel, there are about 250 Balinese Hindus residing. It's a small community, but their efforts helped establish the first temple of its kind outside Indonesia.
The temple is open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation. The main requirement is to come in traditional Balinese attire.
You can add one right now!