Buddha bar ordered to close in Jakarta
An Indonesian court has ordered the Jakarta branch of Paris-based Buddha Bar to close after convicting the licence holder of blasphemy, according to AFP.
It also ordered the licensee, as well as the official Jakarta tourism agency and Jakarta Governor, Fauzi Bowo, to pay damages to the plaintiffs for distress.
The city authorities had failed to consider the religious sensitivities when they approved the licence, the judges said.
“The licence holder was found guilty of blasphemy and of using Buddhist symbols and ornaments at an inappropriate place.”
The plush lounge bar and restaurant is the France-based chain’s first franchise in Asia, but it sparked protests from the moment it opened in late 2008 in an upmarket area of central Jakarta.
Its trademark Oriental styling – including a large sitting Buddha figure which dominates the bar area – infuriated mainly Muslim Indonesia’s Buddhist minority, who organised protests and a legal challenge.
The owners of the bar reportedly vowed to appeal the court’s decision, which could have implications for other hotels, bars and restaurants that feature decorative statues of Buddha.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11