Towering Hindu Temple: Malang, East Java

Hindus living outside the religion’s enclave of Bali now have their own reason to be proud — the tallest temple in Java.

The 11-meter-high temple, built at a cost of Rp 40 million can be found in Karangpandan village, Pakisaji district, Malang, in East Java. The temple, which has five levels, was built in a month by Tamadi, a sculptor from the East Java city of Blitar.

Tri Budi Wibowo, chairman of the temple’s ceremony committee, said the operation of the new house of worship was warmly received by Hindus in Malang and other cities.

There are two other Hindu temples in East Java: Mandara Giri Temple in Semeru mountain in Lumajang and Mertha Jati Temple in Bale Kambang in South Malang.

“We used to have to go farther away to the Mertha Jati and Mandara Giri temples, but now can pray here,” Yanto, who lives nearby, said.

Wahyoe Boediwardhana