On the evening of September 8, 2025, a fire broke out at the Pura Dalem Taman Kaja temple in the center of Ubud. The flames engulfed the complex's buildings in just a few minutes. There were no casualties, but the damage is estimated at 1.7 billion Indonesian rupiahs, about 110,000 dollars.
The fire was noticed at 8:52 PM. The alarm was first raised by a 74-year-old Ubud resident, Nyoman Ada, who called the Gianyar District Emergency Management Agency. By 8:55 PM, firefighters were on the scene, but it took an hour to contain the blaze. About 300 square meters were engulfed in flames.
Six fire crews participated in the firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, the police closed the main road in Ubud to allow emergency vehicles to operate without obstruction.
Two temple structures burned down. A pavilion storing musical instruments was completely destroyed. The fire also damaged the ceremonial stretchers for sacred statues.
Local residents also took part in extinguishing the fire and began salvaging property as soon as they learned about the blaze. Sacred items necessary for rituals were saved from the fire, bringing relief to community members despite considerable material losses.
The cause of the fire has yet to be definitively established, but the police and fire department share a common theory. It is most likely that smoldering coals left in the temple after a cultural performance were the source. From 7:00 to 8:30 PM, the venue hosted a kecak dance combined with a ritual performance where artists walked barefoot over hot coals.
After the performance, the equipment, including the used coal, was stored in an auxiliary pavilion within the temple. Less than half an hour later, the first flames appeared in that area.
The acting head of the Gianyar District Fire Service, Made Arianta, confirmed there were no fatalities, but the damage of 1.7 billion rupiahs is comparable to the annual budget of a small village in Gianyar.
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