Loud-Music Dispute Draws Attention at Pura Agung Besakih

Besakih — A short video showing a man angrily reacting after being told not to play loud music at Pura Agung Besakih circulated on social media on Sept. 30, 2026. The incident took place on Sept. 28, according to I Gusti Bagus Karyawan, Pangliman of Besakih Traditional Village.

The video showed the man in the Manik Mas parking area at the Pura Agung Besakih complex, in Karangasem, Bali, speaking with an officer who reminded him that loud music was prohibited in the sacred area. The management of the Pura Agung Besakih facilities later said the man was not a visitor or tourist, but a local resident.

Why the Besakih rule matters to visitors

For foreign visitors, the episode illustrates that the complex's conduct rules apply within a sacred religious site, not only inside a temple building. The facility management said officers were enforcing standard operating procedures intended to preserve quiet, order and the sanctity of Pura Agung Besakih. Its clarification said the man had been given an explanation of the rules in force in the sacred area.

Karyawan said anyone active in the Besakih sacred area is expected to protect visitors' comfort, regardless of background. He also said he had repeatedly reminded people not to play loud music, including while riding motorcycles through the area and shouting.

The video prompted criticism from social-media users who objected to the conduct and supported the officer's intervention. The reports did not state that the complex had been closed or announce a new penalty connected with the incident.

Sources

• detikBali — Indonesian news outlet
• Bali Post — Balinese news outlet