The Indonesian Post
The Murugan Temple in Jakarta is currently undergoing renovations to welcome visitors. Comprehensive improvements and organization are being implemented to ensure that this Hindu place of worship can reopen within the next two weeks. Kobalen, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Shree Sanathana Dharma Aalayam Foundation (Jakarta Murugan Temple), stated that the temporary closure is necessary to prepare a more orderly visitation system. This decision follows the high enthusiasm from the public since the temple, which stands 57 meters tall, was inaugurated in early 2025. "Please pray for us; within one to two weeks, we will make efforts to reopen with regulations and notes in place," Kobalen told Kompas.com on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Why is the Murugan Temple Closed? The closure of the temple is necessary for technical purposes such as repairs, construction, and the preparation of security personnel. "There are repair works, the creation of a system for the entry and exit of tourists, and the preparation of security staff," he stated. Kobalen emphasized that as a place of worship, the Murugan Temple must be respected. He strongly prohibits visitors from engaging in inappropriate actions such as sitting on the deity's statue. "For instance, taking photos while sitting on the statue is also strictly forbidden, as we hold the gods and goddesses in high reverence," he remarked. In the future, the visitation system will be made more stringent. Tourists will only be allowed entry after registering in advance through the official website and making a donation ranging from Rp 10,000 to Rp 15,000. This donation will be allocated for security and cleanliness expenses. "They register, and there will be a donation of approximately Rp 10,000 to Rp 15,000 for security and cleanliness, as we need to recruit and employ additional personnel for cleanliness and security," he stated. Will Visitor Numbers Be Limited? Visits will also be restricted in terms of quota and duration. A maximum of 25 individuals will be allowed per group, with a visit duration of 20 minutes. The total daily visitation quota is limited to between 200 and 225 individuals and will only be open from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM WIB. "Each group is limited to 20 minutes, so within one hour, there will be around 75 individuals. We open visits from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM," he explained. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing bags of any kind and are only allowed to carry mobile phones. The use of drones or unmanned cameras is also forbidden to maintain the sanctity of the temple and prevent damage.