The cremation ceremony for Wayan Aries Setiawan (23) held on Friday, 08 September 2023 (Sukra Paing Pahang) was attended by thousands of relatives, friends, neighbors, and hotel industry co-workers – all wishing to farewell a popular young man who, together with four colleagues, died at Ubud’s Ayuterra Resort in a horrific inclinator/lift accident on 01 September.
Following the traditional bathing of the man’s corpse and ritual prayers conducted in the family compound at Lodtunduh Village in Ubud, a colorful parade was conducted from the homestead to a local cemetery (setra). Two Balinese baleganjur (traditional marching orchestras) led the procession of people, estimated to number in the thousands – all dressed in traditional costumes.
In keeping with the wishes once spoken by Wayan Aries Setiawan, his body was cremated together with a pair of his favorite sunglasses, a recently purchased wristwatch, and a “selfie” photograph taken at the Ayuterra Resort.
NusaBali.com
As reported by NusaBali.com, an elaborate platform bearing Setiawan’s body was carried on the shoulders of the village’s young men, who paused briefly at every intersection, where the structure and body were twirled in tight circles to confuse and shake off any pursuing evil spirits seeking to disturb the journey to the afterlife.
A large replica of a red bull, used as the receptacle for the corpse in the final immolation, also formed part of the parade.
The 23-year-old man was the pride of his family. Because of his recent employment as a housekeeper, he could now contribute his income to the family’s income stream. He is also remembered for serving as a musician in the Banjar’s gamelan group and as a talented Futsal Player who has won several sports trophies.
In keeping with the wishes once spoken by Wayan Aries Setiawan, his body was cremated together with a pair of his favorite sunglasses, a recently purchased wristwatch, and a “selfie” photograph taken at the Ayuterra Resort.
In keeping with Balinese religious practice, the deceased’s cremains (ashes) were scattered in the Bali Sea on the evening of the funeral ceremony.
The chief of the Ubud Police Precinct, Police Commissioner Made Uder, coincidentally a relative of the dead hotel worker, commented on the death. Uder said: “My grandson was very energetic, healthy, and handsome. Who could imagine his life would end in this way? Frankly, I find it difficult to let him go.”
Many Balinese believe signs or premonitions are given before death, causing PC Uder to add: “There was no sign. If he had dreamt that his teeth were extracted, we might have been able to imagine what lay ahead. Balinese believe there would have been an omen. Our family is very shocked.”
Setiawan’s Grandfather said he hoped the tragedy that killed his grandson will never reoccur. The family thanked the many friends of Setiawan who visited his home to pay their respects.
Aris Setiawan was remembered by Putu Arya Nadiarta, a friend from the Sekaa Yowana Youth Group, as a very active individual. “In the youth association, Aris played the kendang drum. He was a very friendly person. He liked to chat, was physically active, and had the hobby of playing futsal.” said Nadiarta.
Another member of the Sekaa Yowana, Made Mertayasa (26), deeply mourned Aris’ passing, saying, “I looked at Aris as a younger brother – like a member of my family. We often entered competitions together. I am a Jauk dancer; Aris played the kendang while I danced,”
Aris had many friends, with several gamelan groups playing in his honor during the cremation ceremonies,
As reported earlier on Balidiscovery.com, five housekeeping employees working at the Ayuterra Resort in Ubud were killed at midday on Friday, 01 September 2023, when an inclinator/lift sling wires failed, hurtling the workers to their deaths.
The incident is the object of an intense police investigation.
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