The Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to refine the readiness of public service facilities ahead of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H homecoming rush through the “Traveler-Friendly Houses of Worship” program. As part of direct on-site monitoring, the Secretary of the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance, Dr. I Ida Made Pidada Manuaba, S.Ag., M.Si., visited several strategic locations along the Bali-Jakarta route, particularly in the Jembrana region and the Pura Goa Lawah area in Bali. The purpose of this visit was to ensure the readiness of Hindu religious counselors to provide excellent service to travelers passing through that route

During the monitoring, Dr. Ida Made Pidada Manuaba conveyed a special message from the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance regarding the importance of dedication in serving both the Hindu community and the wider public during the homecoming period. He emphasized that Hindu religious counselors in the field play a crucial role as the frontline of service delivery.

“We have instructed all counselors at migrant-friendly points to be responsive and welcoming in serving the public. The presence of these houses of worship is not merely symbolic, but a concrete effort to provide comfort for our fellow citizens traveling long distances,” he stated during the visit.

This initiative has been positively received by Hindu religious counselors on the ground, who expressed their full commitment to supporting the program. A representative from Jembrana noted that thorough preparations had been made, including staff scheduling and the provision of supporting facilities within temple areas.

“We are aware that this year’s homecoming traffic is expected to be significant, so we have organized our teams accordingly. Our responsibility is to ensure that every traveler who stops by feels welcomed and can rest peacefully without concern. This is our tangible service as counselors to support the smooth movement of the public,” he explained.

The program reflects the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ commitment to delivering inclusive public services, as well as the Hindu community’s concern in providing safe and comfortable rest areas. By designating several Hindu temples as rest points, travelers are expected to have access to peaceful spaces to rest before continuing their journeys home. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among personnel to ensure cleanliness and security are consistently maintained.

Earlier, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar had emphasized that all houses of worship along homecoming routes must operate optimally to accommodate the dynamic movement of travelers. He instructed that adequate personnel management be ensured to maintain safety and comfort. In a meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday , he also expressed hope that houses of worship across different religions would remain open 24 hours a day, as the arrival of travelers cannot be precisely predicted. The presence of on-site personnel is key to ensuring that these places truly serve as safe spaces for those in transit.

In line with the Minister’s directive, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance I Nengah Duija confirmed that eight Traveler-Friendly Houses of Worship have been prepared across Java and Bali. He emphasized that this initiative reflects the noble value of Tat Tvam Asi, which teaches that all human beings are essentially one family. While many Puras are geographically located in mountainous or rural areas away from main routes, those in strategic locations are being optimized to serve the public.

This program is not merely about providing physical facilities, but also conveys a strong message of religious moderation rooted in fundamental humanity values. With the readiness of counselors and local administrators, the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance is committed to ensuring that the presence of religious institutions delivers universal benefits to all members of society, strengthening harmony during the Eid homecoming period.

Editor : I Made Juni Saputra

Photographer : I Gusti Ngurah Sathya Dharma

Contributed and Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori