Controversy Erupts Over Dewi Kencana Statue in Bogor as Residents Demand Removal

The Dewi Kencana statue in Pakis Hills, a tourist area in Puncak, Bogor, has become the center of a heated controversy as local residents demand its removal. The 9-meter-tall statue, made of styrofoam and bamboo, depicts the Dewi Kencana goddess dancing and is located at the end of the Pakis Hill tourist area, with several similar statues of smaller sizes also present.

Residents of Tugu Selatan Village in Cisarua, Bogor, argue that the statue is not in line with the local culture and have called for the management of Pakis Hills to dismantle it. Yuliana Idris, the head of the Tourism and Culture Office of Bogor Regency, confirmed that an agreement was reached between the village head and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to remove the statue.

However, the management of the Pakis Hills tourist area has stated that they will not dismantle the Dewi Kencana statue at this time. Jatnika, a spokesperson for the management, explained that the statue was created solely to attract tourists to the area, which is a popular tourism destination. The management is currently awaiting the results of a meeting with religious leaders and the MUI scheduled for next week before making a final decision.

Why this matters: The controversy over the Dewi Kencana statue highlights the ongoing tension between cultural preservation and tourism development in Indonesia. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how similar conflicts are resolved in the future.

Jatnika noted that the management has previously mediated and met with the MUI and religious leaders, who understood the situation, although they are waiting for further decisions from the investigation. "We have previously mediated and met with the MUI and religious leaders, who understood the situation, although they are waiting for further decisions from the investigation," Jatnika stated.

Key Takeaways

• Dewi Kencana statue in Pakis Hills, Bogor, sparks controversy among locals.
• Residents demand removal, citing cultural incompatibility, while management refuses to dismantle.
• Bogor Regency Tourism Office confirms agreement to remove the statue.
• Management awaits meeting with religious leaders before making final decision.
• Dispute highlights tension between cultural preservation and tourism development in Indonesia.