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Bad management practice of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) project is continiously getting more obvious. After a demo by the residents of Banjar Giri Dharma, Pecatu, recently, yesterday (Monday, April 20th), the leaders of Majapahit Temple paid a visit to GWK to express their protest to the policy of GWK management which disturbs religious activities conducted in the temple area. Residents also stand against the plan to demolish the temple which is also a national heritage site.

Tens of temple leaders conducted their protest by carrying pratima accompanied by barong. People kept on carrying pratima into GWK meeting room where a consultation between GWK and the local residents took place. Situation was getting a bit chaotic when a woman protester got trance. Claiming herself as a god, she prohibited any activities which may negatively affect the persence of the temple as a holly site including all the activities.

Anger of residents and temple leaders was initiated by letter no. 009/GAIN/HR-GA/GM/IV/2009 issued by PT GAIN, the operating company of GWK. The letter declared that Pura Majapahit is located within the territory of GWK, and PT GAIN has never issued permit in any kinds allowing to build Majapahit Temple. Holding the outhority to the area, PT GAIN expressed their objection towards any form of activities in the temple.

The letter has immediately fired up emotion of local residents. Mpu Pandita Pura Goesti Raden Pandji Noko Prawiro sand that Majapahit Temple was inherited by Majapahit Temple and serves as the residence of Prabu Airlangga, a successor of Wisnu. Therefore the temple was considered as a site of national heritage. Everyone was allowed to conduct religious activities in the temple. They stand against a possibility that the sacred site demilished by irrenponsible individuals.

Unfortunately the protest did not reach a clear conclusion. Representing GWK, Executive GA Manager, A.A. Rai Dalem said that the issue had to be coordinated with the management of PT Gain. He also defused that the company was planing to demolish the temple. “The leter does not mention anything about demilition. It is impossible for us to demolish the temple”, Rai said.