Ahead of IBTK, Dozens of Street Vendors Still Trading Around Pura Agung Besakih

Ahead of the Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh (IBTK), dozens of street vendors are still trading around Pura Penataran Agung Besakih in Karangasem. They are selling canang sari, mineral water, snacks, and satay. Their trading spots are on the main route for worshippers heading into the temple for prayers.

Based on observations, there are dozens of vendors selling along the road, from the front to the side of Pura Penataran Agung Besakih. Previously, there had been a ban on trading in that location because special stalls and kiosks had been provided for vendors.

The Head of the Sacred Area Management Agency for Pura Agung Besakih, I Gusti Lanang Muliarta, did not deny the situation. He affirmed that they would soon carry out reorganisation.

“Perhaps tomorrow we will start organising, so that all those vendors trade in front of the wantilan. So there will be no more vendors along the road that will be passed by worshippers,” said Muliarta on Thursday (26/3/2026).

He claimed to have made maximum efforts so that local vendors who have been trading daily in the area can have appropriate places to trade that do not disturb worshippers when they intend to perform prayers.

Muliarta said that during the IBTK ceremony at Pura Agung Besakih, there will be hundreds of vendors involved, all registered. These vendors will be divided into four trading locations, starting from the Kedungdung parking area, the manik mas kiosks, the bencingah kiosks, and in front of the wantilan for local vendors who are still trading around Pura Penataran Agung Besakih.

“Later, we will also endeavour to organise vendors selling food and cloth or similar items to be placed in different locations,” said Muliarta.

During the IBTK ceremony, his side will also collaborate with other relevant agencies to control food. This is to ensure that the food sold is truly healthy and safe for consumption by all worshippers or visitors.

Muliarta also hopes that worshippers will shop after praying. “We cannot force worshippers to visit the stalls and kiosks of vendors in the provided places. But our hope is that they will go to the vendors’ kiosks later,” hoped Muliarta.