Indonesia arrests 3 Russian tourists for disrespecting sacred temple

The trio were caught in the island’s Ubud district earlier this week following reports from the public about their disrespectful behavior at the Pengubengan Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Bali, South China Morning Post reported.

They are being held at an immigration office for further investigation and authorities have contacted the temple management for more information.

Immigration police officers have not elaborated on the Russians’ behavior.

Pengubengan Temple, part of the sprawling Besakih Temple complex, is at the foot of Mount Agung, the highest peak in Bali and home to the holiest shrine in Balinese Hinduism.

Indonesian authorities have recently launched a crackdown against foreign tourists following a recent string of public order violations.

Bali last month deported a Russian woman after her nude photograph taken in front of a 700-year-old sacred banyan tree sparked public backlash.

Another Russian man was deported the same month for posting a photo of himself half-naked atop Mount Agung.