The Jagatnatha Temple in Denpasar said it had increased
security measures by assigning special guards to accompany the existing
pemangku (priests) that had been guarding the temple.
The decision was in follow-up to the thefts of pretima — small,
sacred effigies usually made of precious woods and bedecked with jewels — from
34 temples since 2008. The Bali Police successfully resolved several cases late
last year and arrested some suspects, including a priest.
