The Balinese Hindu Resistance to the Hare Krishna Movement: A Case Study of Nativistic Responses to Transnational Religious Movements

Abstract

Even though Hare Krishna (HK) has received recognition and protection from the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia for nearly two decades since it arrived in Indonesia in the 1960s, the presence of HK has faced opposition from traditional Balinese Hindus. This study aims to understand the causes of the anti-HK movement in Bali. It employs a qualitative methodology, specifically a case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with five key movement figures, observation, social media, and online newspapers. The study reveals that the anti-Hare Krishna (HK) movement is a pronounced nativistic response from Balinese Hindus, who perceive the HK movement as a threat to their cultural identity. Due to significant theological and scriptural disparities, the movement's proponents argue that HK does not align with Indonesian Hinduism but rather seeks to supplant Balinese Hindu teachings. The anti-HK movement gained traction as its leaders successfully channeled widespread dissatisfaction with HK into collective action, mobilizing substantial resources. This mobilization, in turn, facilitated the creation of a favorable political opportunity. The Joint Decree (SKB) issued by the Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia of Bali Province and the Majelis Desa Adat of Bali Province represents a political opportunity structure for the movement. The SKB which was a direct result of pressure from the movement, further incentivized the involvement of traditional villages in the movement's activities. This research offers valuable insights into the emergence of nativistic movements as a defense mechanism against New Religious Movements.