Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia has officially inaugurated its first Hindu temple in Europe, the Pura Santa Citta Bhuwana, located in the village of Kallenkote, the Netherlands. The temple was built by the Balinese diaspora and marks a significant cultural milestone for the Hindu community abroad.
The temple was formally inaugurated by the Balinese Governor Wayan Koster on Saturday, May 3, 2025, through a traditional melaspas purification ceremony. The ritual was officiated by high priest Ida Shri Bhagawan Putra Nata Nawa Wangsa Pemayun and attended by hundreds of Balinese Hindus residing in the Netherlands.
Some Hindus even traveled from neighboring countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Norway to witness the ceremony.
Pura Santa Citta Bhuwana is the first Balinese-style Hindu temple constructed in Europe. Many of the temple’s building materials were imported directly from Bali to preserve architectural authenticity.
It is situated on the grounds of Taman Indonesia, a cultural park owned by Dutch couple Marlisa and Diederik Wareman, who donated the land to the Bali Abdi Samasta Foundation out of deep admiration for Indonesia and Balinese culture.
The temple’s construction was driven by the local Balinese community in the Netherlands, with funding gathered through grassroots fundraising efforts. The project also received full support from the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague.
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Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mayerfas, attended the inauguration and described the temple’s opening as a proud moment, not only for the Balinese community but for all Indonesians.
“The desire to build this temple had existed for years, but construction only began in 2023. This temple is the first in Europe, and it was made possible through the collective efforts of the Balinese community in the Netherlands,” Mayerfas said, as reported by Inilah.com.
Governor Koster praised the initiative as a testament to community resilience and the enduring spirit of gotong royong, or mutual cooperation. He also hope that the temple could be utilized and cared for by the Balinese community in the Netherlands so that it can continue to serve and benefit future generations.
“I hope this temple is not only used for religious ceremonies but also serves as a gathering place for Balinese people in the Netherlands to strengthen their sense of community and togetherness,” Koster added. “It should stand as a lasting symbol of dedication to our culture and our country.”
(Raidi/Agung)
