Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Atlas club Bali, one of Bali’s largest nightlife venues, has issued a formal apology and conducted a traditional Hindu purification ceremony, Guru Piduka, following public backlash over an incident involving imagery resembling the Hindu deity Shiva. The ceremony took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Pura Desa Lan Puseh Desa Adat Berawa in Badung, Bali.
The nightclub, operated by PT. Kreasi Bali Prima, faced criticism after an LED display at the venue on January 30 projected an image resembling Shiva, prompting strong reactions from the local Hindu community. In response, Atlas Super Club sought to make amends through the sacred ritual, which was led by local Hindu priests and attended by community elders, club management, and employees.
A Public Apology and Cultural Sensitivity
Citra Yunita, Director of Events and Entertainment at Atlas, emphasized that the Guru Piduka ceremony was a sincere gesture of remorse toward the Hindu community in Bali.
“Atlas deeply apologizes and seeks forgiveness from the Hindu community, especially in Bali, for the unintended display of an image resembling Lord Shiva on our LED screen. We hope this ceremony allows us to receive forgiveness and move forward with greater cultural sensitivity,” she stated.
Prior to the ceremony, Atlas Super Club had taken several steps to address the controversy. On February 5, the company issued an official statement acknowledging the incident and responding to a formal notice from the Bali branch of the Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI Bali) and the Hindu Students’ Legal Aid Institute (LBH KMHDI). The management also engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, security officials, and legislative representatives at both the provincial and regional levels.
Commitment to Community and Economic Contributions
The controversy surrounding Atlas club Bali reignited discussions about the intersection of Bali’s vibrant tourism industry and its deeply rooted Hindu traditions. While the venue has drawn criticism, it has also played a significant role in the local economy. Since its establishment in 2022, Atlas has reportedly created over 1,300 jobs, with more than 700 of its employees being Balinese Hindus.
“Since our opening, Atlas has contributed to Bali’s economy and tourism industry. Many of our team members are Hindu, and we remain committed to respecting and upholding the cultural values of this island,” Citra added.
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Following the ceremony, local residents expressed hope that tensions would ease. Made Sandra, a community member from Desa Adat Berawa, welcomed the nightclub’s efforts to reconcile with the Hindu community.
“We should all move forward with a spirit of forgiveness. Hopefully, this brings peace and restores harmony,” he said.
Despite Atlas Super Club’s efforts, online discussions continue to scrutinize the incident, with some social media users drawing comparisons to past controversies involving religious and cultural sensitivities in Indonesia. Others have questioned whether the incident was purely accidental or indicative of broader concerns regarding cultural respect within the entertainment industry.
As Bali continues to balance its global appeal as a tourist destination with its spiritual and cultural heritage, incidents like these highlight the importance of sensitivity and awareness among businesses operating in the region.
