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Hindus Ask UNESCO to Help Restore Quake-Damaged Bali Hindu Temples

Hindus are asking UNESCO, ASEAN and the Indonesian Government to help restore the ancient Hindu temples damaged by October 13th earthquake in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said the ancient Hindu temples of Bali are world heritage and it is important that the world preserve the temples for the coming generations.

According to reports, many Hindu temples have crumbled and are damaged, with stones tumbling to the ground and walls shattered. Rajan Zed argued that a special team of experts should launch an immediate damage assessment and make suggestions about repair and restoration of the damaged temples.

Over 92% of Bali the population is Hindu and it has reportedly about 20,000 temples and shrines. Major Hindu temples include Tirtha Empul Temple (926 CE), 14th century Mother Temple of Besakih, 15th century Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayun and Pura Batukaru.

Lonely Planet describes Bali as "Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches..."

ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which is headquartered in Jakarta (Indonesia) while UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization based in Paris (France).