In the heart of Europe, far from Indonesia’s tropical landscape, a spiritual haven now brings the warmth of the Island of the Gods: Pura Shanta Citta Bhuwana, the first Balinese Hindu temple on the European mainland, has officially opened in Kallenkote, the Netherlands.
A Long-Held Dream Realized
The temple was established through the initiative of the Balinese community in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Overijssel, which is now home to around 250 Balinese Hindus. For years, they practiced their faith by moving from place to place—renting buildings, and even traveling across borders to a temple in Belgium.
This temple is the answer to their longstanding yearning for a permanent place of worship that preserves the traditional and spiritual values of Bali.
The temple’s construction was entirely funded by the local Balinese community through a collective spirit of mutual aid (gotong royong). The project began in 2023 and came to life thanks to close collaboration between the community, the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague, and the full support of the Provincial Government of Bali.
Built with Authentic Materials from Bali
No shortcuts were taken—every construction material was imported directly from Bali, including the iconic black stone from Karangasem used for the temple’s structure and ornamentation. As a result, the atmosphere and architecture feel truly authentic—like standing in the heart of Bali, not the north of Amsterdam.
The temple stands on a 36-square-meter plot within “Taman Indonesia,” a small zoo and cultural park owned by Marlisa and Diederik Wareman. The couple donated part of their land to the Bali Abdi Samasta Foundation as an expression of their love for Indonesia and Bali.
Inaugurated on the Sacred Day of Kuningan
Pura Shanta Citta Bhuwana was inaugurated on May 3, 2025, coinciding with Hari Raya Kuningan—a sacred day in Balinese Hindu belief, when ancestral spirits are said to return to the heavens after a 10-day visit to the human world. The moment was marked with a melaspas ceremony, a purification ritual to sanctify the temple before it is used.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster attended the ceremony in person. He brought the ceremonial offerings directly from Bali and was accompanied by sulinggih (high priests) and pemangku (temple priests) to lead the rituals. The Provincial Government of Bali covered all ceremonial costs as a gesture of respect and appreciation for the Balinese diaspora’s efforts in establishing this temple.
Open to the Public: A Sacred Space for All
Although built by and for Balinese Hindus, this temple is open to the public, including non-Hindus. However, as is customary in Bali, visitors are expected to wear traditional Balinese attire when entering the temple grounds—whether coming individually or with family. This ensures the spiritual and cultural experience remains authentic and shows respect for tradition.
According to Made Aniadi, the head of the foundation that manages the temple, Pura Shanta Citta Bhuwana is intended to serve not only as a spiritual space, but also as a gathering place to strengthen community ties and introduce Balinese values to the European public.
Bringing Balinese Culture to the Global Stage
The establishment of this temple aligns with Governor Koster’s vision of preserving Balinese culture in the face of globalization. The provincial government has been actively promoting cultural identity, from traditional customs censuses to mandatory traditional attire in schools and government offices on designated days.
With 6.3 million foreign tourists visiting Bali in 2024—and a target of 6.5 million in the following year—the temple's presence is also expected to serve as a “cultural teaser,” offering Europeans an authentic glimpse into Balinese culture and inspiring them to visit the Island of the Gods in person.
