Two temples in Karangasem Regency, Bali, were damaged by fires on Sunday, January 11, 2026, following lightning strikes during heavy rainfall in the area.
The incidents occurred within hours of each other and affected key temple structures.
The first incident took place at Pedharman Arya Gajah Para Temple, located in Banjar Dinas Batumadeg, Besakih Village, Rendang District. A nine-tiered shrine, known as a Meru Tumpang Sembilan, collapsed and burned after being struck by lightning around midday.
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Several hours later, a similar fire occurred at Pucak Bukit Tegeh Temple in Banjar Dinas Sangkan Gunung, Sangkan Gunung Village, Sidemen District. At this location, an eleven-tiered shrine caught fire at approximately 2:15 p.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA).
Sidemen Police Chief AKP I Gusti Agung Bagus Suteja said the fire at Bukit Tegeh Temple was first noticed by residents during heavy rain.
“The fire was first seen by local residents while heavy rain was falling in the area,” Suteja said, as quoted from Kompas.com.
Firefighters Deployed, Losses Reach IDR 3.6 Billion
The Head of the Karangasem Regency Fire and Rescue Service, Artha Negara, said the total material losses from the two incidents were estimated at IDR 3.6 billion.
“The total material losses from the two fires are estimated at IDR 3.6 billion,” Artha said.
He explained that the first report was received at 1:50 p.m. WITA on Sunday. Firefighters responded to the Pedharman Arya Gajah Para Temple incident shortly after.
“We received the report at 1:50 p.m. One meru tumpang sembilan (nine-tiered shrine) and one pelinggih were burned,” Artha said, as quoted by Kompas.com.
A total of 19 personnel from the Selat Fire Post and Karangasem Fire Post were deployed to the scene. They were assisted by firefighters from Klungkung Regency. Six fire engines were used in the operation.
Firefighters used approximately 23,000 litres of water to extinguish the flames. The fire at Pedharman Arya Gajah Para Temple caused estimated losses of IDR 1.6 billion.
“Officers managed to save three other temple buildings, preventing the fire from spreading,” Artha said.
Several hours later, another fire was reported at Bukit Tegeh Temple. Authorities received the report at 3:42 p.m. WITA.
Second Fire Destroys Meru Shrines at Bukit Tegeh Temple
The fire at Bukit Tegeh Temple destroyed one eleven-tiered meru and one three-tiered meru. The affected area measured approximately 20 metres by 21 metres. Material losses from this incident were estimated at IDR 2 billion.
Despite the damage, officials were able to protect several sacred structures at the site. These included one kelod shrine, one baler shrine, and six pelinggih.
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AKP I Gusti Agung Bagus Suteja said the fire originated from the roof of the meru shrine after it was struck by lightning. The roof was made of palm fibre, locally known as ijuk.
“The flames emerged from the meru roof, which is made of palm fibre,” Suteja said.
“Ijuk is highly flammable. When struck by lightning, the fire immediately grew,” he added.
The fire spread from the eleven-tiered meru to the nearby three-tiered shrine and later reached another pelinggih. Local residents contacted the police and fire department after seeing the flames spread across the temple complex.
No injuries were reported in either incident. Authorities continue to assess damage to the affected temples and surrounding structures.
