Sometimes, due to the differences in cultural practices, tourists can inadvertently offend the natives of the country they’re visiting.
Like, you know, saying that chicken rice is from Johor when it’s obviously from Yishun.
Other times, tourists are just dicks.
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Bless my buttocks, please
On Aug 9, influencer and fitness model Sabina Dolezalova posted a video on Instagram of her visit to the Beji Temple in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
The temple is a popular tourist destination in Bali.
The video begins with Dolezalova and her fellow male fitness model, Zdenek Slouka, standing in front of a fountain of holy water.
Dolezalova then bends over in front of the fountain and lifted her skirt as Slouka splashes some of the holy water from the fountain onto her buttocks.
Why would they do such a thing?
Unless Dolezalova had a particularly sinful bottom, the act was likely an attempt to go viral.
Well, viral they went.
Backlash
Understandably, many Indonesians were maddened by the actions of the influencers and expressed their anger online.
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Some netizens called the duo’s actions “disgraceful” and “disgusting”, while others called for the couple to be banned from visiting Bali.
The desecration of anything religiously or culturally significant is abhorrent, so one can understand the strong and negative reaction.
Apology
The couple quickly posted an apology video the next day in response to the backlash.
Dolezalova and Slouka said they were “truly sorry” for their behaviour and claimed they only did what they did because they were ignorant of the temple’s cultural significance.
But were they really unaware?
Some questioned the sincerity of the duo’s apology, claiming they knew exactly what they were doing.
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It’s hard to accept the excuse of “cultural ignorance” when most people understand the sanctity attached to religious buildings like temples, churches, and mosques.
I mean, have you ever thought of flashing your ass in a religious place, let alone splashing holy water on it?
Personal apology and donation
The couple from the Czech Republic did do more to make amends for their offensive behaviour, though.
The duo met up with officials from the Gianyar police, a regency in Bali to personally apologize for their actions.
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Dolezalova also reportedly made a financial donation to the village that houses the temple to express her regret.
Harsher stance
Following the incident, the local government claims it will be harsher on future misbehaving tourists.
According to Coconuts, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster yesterday said tourists who are disrespectful of the island’s holy places would be “sent back home.”
While the Governor advised tourists to be more culturally aware, he also said that Balinese officials and residents have a role to play.
“They shouldn’t think merely on the basis of income, and then allow tourists to engage in disrespectful behaviour,”.
But we can’t just rely on the natives. If you’re visiting a country, you should learn a little about their cultural practices and differences to avoid offending the locals.
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Making a little effort here can go a long way in preventing cross-cultural conflicts.
Also, I didn’t think I would have to say this, but if you’re visiting any holy water fountains abroad in the future, please, do not use it to wash your ass.
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