A new controversy has erupted in Bali over tourist activities.
A video has circulated online, allegedly showing a paraglider flying over the Gunung Payung Temple in the village of Kutuh on Bukit. For Balinese Hindu culture, this is considered a serious offense — no one should be above the highest point of the temple.
The footage quickly went viral, sparking tens of thousands of comments, mostly in condemnation. Bali Senator Ni Luh Jelantik emphasized the importance of respecting local traditions: "Tourism is a source of income, but we must remember our conscience and protect the dignity of our homeland."
The head of Badung Regency, Wayan Adi Arnawa, instructed the municipal order service to check the activities of paragliding clubs and set clear flight radius restrictions. "We do not prohibit paragliding, but we will control to ensure no one crosses temple boundaries," he noted.
Meanwhile, some local media and official comments suggest that the flight over the temple may have been an optical illusion due to the camera angle, with the route passing over the ocean. However, opponents insist there was a breach of a no-fly zone, sparking the scandal.
The situation gained further attention following a tragedy at the end of July: in the same area, two experienced paragliders from South Korea died. Their flight over Tanah Barak Beach ended in a sea crash due to a sudden wind shift. The tourists were unable to release from their harnesses and got tangled in the lines. Despite prompt assistance, they could not be saved.
Bali authorities urge island visitors to respect cultural restrictions and remember safety by getting insurance that covers extreme sports.
Source: nusabali
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