The closure of Mount Agung Bali for hiking is officially announced for a duration of 29 days, from March 17th to April 14th, 2024, owing to the Karya Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh (IBTK) and Tawur Labuh Gentuh ceremonies at Besakih Great Temple. During this period, all hiking activities are suspended due to the extensive and sacred traditional events.
The pinnacle of these sacred ceremonies is on 24th March 2024. According to Jro Mangku Widiartha, a traditional leader, the closure of the Mount Agung Bali hiking route is imperative during such traditional ceremonies to uphold its sanctity. This decision has been made in consultation with various relevant parties.
If hikers persist in attempting to ascend Mount Agung Bali during this period, there is a potential risk of accidents during the hike. Additionally, it significantly impacts the continuity of the Karya Agung ceremony in Besakih.
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“So far, there have been numerous instances of tourists clandestinely hiking Mount Agung without guides. However, during the IBTK ceremony, everyone has been compliant and refrained from reckless hiking,” stated Widiartha. Presently, there are five primary routes utilized for ascending Mount Agung Bali, namely:
- Pengubengan Route, Besakih Village
- Temukus Route, Banjar Temukus, Besakih
- Pasar Agung Temple Route, Sebudi, Selat District
- Sibetan Route, Bebandem District
- Placement Route, Rendang District
The closure’s impact will lead residents, who typically work as hiking guides, to become contract workers for the Bali Provincial Government, tasked with forest protection in the mountain area. Mount Agung holds significant spiritual importance for the Balinese people, who consider it the dwelling place of the gods, thus, elders regard the mountain with utmost sanctity.
Situated on Mount Agung’s slopes is Besakih Temple, one of Bali’s most revered temples. It serves as the epicentre of Hindu worship in Bali, as it was where Hyang Rsi Markendya received divine revelation, marking the inception of Hinduism in the region.
