Repairing Bali’s Cracked Batu Bolong Temple

Beritabali.com reports that repairs on structural cracks at the Batu Bolong Temple at Bali’s iconic Tanah Lot Complex are now formally in the hands of the Bali Penida River Basin Organization (Balai Wilayah Sungai BWS – Bali Penida).

The Bali Penida River Basin Center (BWS) has taken steps to measure the height of the cliff face and installed markers as GPS Reference Points at several points as the initial step in the structural repair of the cracked natural cliff.

Tanah Lot Complex, Operations Manager, I Wayan Sudiana, speaking on Friday, 27 September 2024, said: “Handling the cliff cracks at Batu Bolong Temple is important to ensure the safety of visitors and maintain the integrity of the cliff, which is one of the main attractions of Tanah Lot’s natural scenery.” 

Sudiana added that he hopes that after this initial work is completed, the repair process can proceed at the Batu Bolong Temple Cliff to remain safe for tourism and religious activities.

In the past, the cracked cliff served as an access bridge to Batu Bolong Temple. The cliff of this temple is formed from hard rock with a hole eroded over time in the middle of the promontory. The Batu Bolong Temple is situated just west of the Luhur Tanah Lot Temple.

While repairs are underway, the managers of the tourist object and local religious leaders have agreed to limit tourists’ access and activities at Batu Bolong Temple.

An inspection conducted by BWS Bali Penida found ten cracks in the cliff face of Batu Bolong Temple. Sudiana said BWS  had invited a consultant to work on the cliff repair project.

“How the exact calculations and costs were established is not clear. Moreover, the cliff area is challenging for heavy vehicles to reach because of its location in a tourist area,” said Sudiana.

Up to this point, progress on the restoration of Tanah Lot Temple is ongoing and has achieved the halfway point. I Putu Toni Wirawan, caretaker and Assistant Manager of the Tanah Lot Complex, said continuing work is planned after the implementation of Pujawali which falls on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

“The restoration is expected to preserve the sustainability of Tanah Lot Temple as one of the most well-known religious icons in Bali,” said Toni Wirawan.

Related Links

Official Tanah Lot Website

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