Karangasem. A video showing a foreign tourist angrily confronting a local security officer (pecalang) at Pura Agung Besakih in Rendang, Karangasem, went viral on social media on Tuesday.

The altercation reportedly began when the tourist was reprimanded and denied entry by the pecalang while attempting to enter the temple.

Besakih Village leader Jero Mangku Widiarta said that there are specific rules and regulations that everyone, including tourists, must follow to enter the main courtyard of Pura Agung Besakih.

To enter the Utama Mandala of Pura Agung Besakih, visitors must adhere to the following guidelines: they must wear traditional Balinese attire and bring complete offerings for prayer.

"We have instructed the pecalang to deny entry to anyone not adhering to these rules, as it is important for the local community to maintain the temple’s spiritual sanctity," Widiarta told Balipuspanews.com, a part of the B-Universe media network, on Tuesday.

Visitors are usually informed about these guidelines at the ticket office when purchasing their tickets. The front office staff explains the dos and don'ts while in the temple area.

"If tourists comply with the guidelines and stay within the allowed areas, they will even be escorted by our pecalang. We urge everyone to avoid jumping to conclusions and to understand the actual events," Widiarta added.

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