NU expects Buddha Bar controversy to soon be overcome

Jakarta, NU Online
The existence of top-class lounge, Buddha Bar, on Jalan Teuku Umar No.1 , Menteng Central Jakarta, has sparked controversy. Protests on the Buddha Bar, in fact have been made for considering that it has used the name of Buddha and other religious symbols of Buddhism.

Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Masdar F. Mas'udi expressed hsi concern about the ongoing problem related to the Buddha Bar.<>

"As fellow religious adherents in Indonesia, we are deeply concerned over the ongoing case of the Buddha Bar which will only raise many other social problems having emerged amidst our society," Masdar told okezone.com over the weekend.

Over the protests against the Buddha Bar, the owners of the unmarket restaurant have finally renamed it the Bataviasche Kunstkring, the building's original name.

In addition to having canged its name, the owners have also taken out all symbolism of the Buddha from inside the venue for being considered inappropriate as Buddhist teachings never advised drinking alcoholic beverages and other types of hedonistic lifestyle.

Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni Basyuni had previously urged restaurant management to close the venue, following protests from several Buddhist students. He said their actions would prompt other bars to use names like "the Christian Bar or the Islam Bar".

"We have no intention what so ever to hurt the Buddhist community in Indonesia. The taking down of the Buddha Bar name sign is a sign of respect of the management to Religious Affairs Minister Maftuh Basyuni," he said in a statement. (dar)