Checked By Immigration, Aussie Caucasians Who Climbed Sacred Trees In Tabanan Bali Have 2 Actions

Head of the Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkum HAM) Bali Province, Anggiat Napitupulu/IST

DENPASAR - The Immigration Office Class I TPI Denpasar, Bali inspected Australian Caucasian Samuel Lockton who went viral climbing a sacred tree at Dalem Prajapati Temple, in Kelod Traditional Village, Banjar Dakdakan, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency.

The head of the Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkum HAM) of Bali Province, Anggiat Napitupulu said from the results of the examination, that the Aussie Caucasian admitted that he had climbed a sacred tree.

"He also admitted that he had previously climbed two trees in the Canggu area to share his hobby", said Anggiat in a written statement in Denpasar, Bali, Monday, June 13.

Samuel Lockton entered Indonesia on June 6, 2022, at I Ngurah Rai Airport using a Visit Visa on Arrival (VKSK).

"The person concerned came to Indonesia for a vacation in Bali. Currently, the person concerned has apologized to all Indonesian people, especially the Balinese people for his actions. He admitted that he did not know that his actions had disrupted public order and had no intention of disrespecting Balinese culture", said Anggiat.

As previously reported, this Aussie Caucasian climbed a sacred banyan tree at the Kelaci Kelod Traditional Village cemetery, Banjar Dakdakan, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, on Saturday, June 11 afternoon.

"The person concerned does not know that the area is a sacred area for Hindus and he does have a hobby of climbing trees to enjoy the beauty of nature", said Tabanan Police Chief AKBP Ranefli Dian Candra, Sunday, June 12.

At that time, residents found the Caucasian climbing a banyan tree. Up in a tree, this Australian Caucasian is documenting the situation around the Dalem Adat Klaci Kelod Temple.

By residents, Caucasians were asked to come down. When interrogated, Samuel Locton admitted that he had a hobby of climbing a high tree.

"The reason is he wants to show people in his country that in Bali there are still many big tall and beautiful trees. The person concerned at that time was aware that he was not under the influence of alcoholic drinks, he just really loved the beauty of nature, especially the big trees", added Ranefli.