Theft rife in Bali temples

Theft rife in Bali temples

DENPASAR, Bali: Theft of sacred temple items is rife on this predominantly Hindu island, prompting a respected academic to propose that places of worships be provided with alarm systems.

Made Tatib of the Academy of Hindu Theology said that residents should provide their pura (minor temples) with alarm systems and also put sacred items for rituals into a safe box kept within the place of worship.

He said, "We must make the best use of technology to secure those sacred places," reported Kompas. He linked the increasing thefts with the booming trade in antiques on the tourist island.

Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, the official organization that represents Hindus, has been under increasing pressure to take prompt measures to overcome the problem.(pan)