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Real Buddhists Protest Buddha Bar

Peaceful protesters blast 'defamation of religion'

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2009 6:45 AM CST

(Newser) – Indonesian Buddhists yesterday protested the opening in Jakarta of the latest in a popular chain of Buddha Bars established by a Parisian restaurant-lounge enterprise. The bar, which features a giant Buddha, is the first to be built in Southeast Asia. "It's impossible to put the exalted name" of Buddha "with the word 'bar.' That is defamation of religion," said one protester. A staff member said the bar would remain "open as usual."

Demand for nightspots is booming in Jakarta.
Demand for nightspots is booming in Jakarta.   (©basibanget)
Sun sets over Jakarta.
Sun sets over Jakarta.   (©sektordua)
'Buddha' watches over drinkers in Manhattan's Buddha Bar. Real Buddhists are protesting opening of the bar in Jakarta.
'Buddha' watches over drinkers in Manhattan's Buddha Bar. Real Buddhists are protesting opening of the bar in Jakarta.   (©sunshinecity)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
EddyTeach
Mar 5, 2009 2:23 AM CST
The bar's theme is in bad taste. For shame.

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