One of Bali’s most popular nightlife venues is under investigation by local authorities after reports that a visual display that set the stage behind a DJ set featured imagery of a Hindu deity.
The incident has sparked backlash on social media, with many local Balinese Hindus shocked that religious iconography would be used during a party.

The incident took place at Atlas Super Club and local social media citizen journalism accounts blew up this weekend with local community members, many of whom are Balinese Hindus, adding their take on the situation.
The visual display shows a depiction of Lord Shiva, he is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate, which includes Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, each of whom plays a central role in Balinese Hinduism. Lord Shiva is also considered to be the Lord of the Dance, and his role is to destroy the universe and recreate it.
The imagery of Lord Shiva was played on the giant screen behind the DJ deck at Atlas Beach Club during the track ‘Aria’ by Argy & Omnya, a melodic techno track that does not refer to Lord Shiva nor Hindu mythologies of any kind.
Footage of the scene was shared widely online with some observers commenting “Not fanatic, but this is unethical.” Another wrote, “Is it appropriate for the figure of Lord Shiva, who is revered by Balinese Hindus, to be displayed in a music club visualization?”.
While producing images of Lord Shiva or any Hindu deity is permissible within the faith, many felt that displaying such imagery in a party setting, and not a ceremony, and a party that was created for and attended by a majority non-Hindu audience was inappropriate.
While many condemned the use of imagery of Lord Shiva in such a context, other commenters afforded some grace to the situation. One commenter wrote, “In the Abrahamic (Samawi) teachings, perhaps the use of the visuals above can be considered blasphemy, but in Dharma, worship can be done in any form, even in the form of euphoria.”
Atlas Super Club is now under investigation by the Badung Regency Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP). Speaking to reporters on Tuesday 4th February the Head of Badung Satpol PP I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara confirmed the summons of the Atlas Super Club.
Suryanegara said that the beach club management had admitted to being negligent and was caught off guard by how quickly the incident went viral on social media. He told reporters, “We welcomed the arrival of Atlas management. They clarified and admitted that what is currently being discussed is their mistake.”
The visual has been confirmed to have been on display for one minute before it was replaced by another moving display. According to the standard operating procedures at Atlas, the audio-visual team and management are required to screen any material that will be displayed during the show.
Suryanegara conveyed that Atlas Management also felt that they were caught off guard by the display since what was shown did not go through a selection or sorting process.

He shared “They happened to download the file online. The management stated that the SOP should be in place before it airs tonight, and [the] screening should already be done. That was a mistake and the management is aware of it.”
Suryanegara confirmed “The management has made a written statement not to repeat it. We have given a warning letter and we remind them again to be careful, and to continue to maintain and respect cultural customs based on the Hindu religion.”

On Wednesday 5th February Atlas Superclub issued a statement on its Instagram stories. Shared only in Bahasa Indonesia the club explained “There is really no purpose to offend or abuse the great values of religion and belief. This incident is purely a technical and procedural incident.”
“Fully we realize that this can cause inconvenience to the community and Hindus, especially in Bali. We have taken firm action against the perpetrator of the incident.”

The venue confirmed, “On Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 07:00 WITA, as a form of apology and forgiveness, we will also hold a Guru Piduka Ceremony and Ritual (Apology and Forgiveness) to Lord Shiva according to the beliefs of the community and Hindus in Bali. This implementation will be closely coordinated with PHDI Bali, Banjar Adat Berawa, Tibubeneng Village, and related security apparatus.”
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Shorty
Friday 7th of February 2025
I'd suggest the adverse comments so far posted and many of those to come have nothing to do with religious sensibilities. It's their dislike of beach and other clubs.
Randy
Monday 10th of February 2025
@Shorty, spot on
Višnja
Friday 7th of February 2025
What about hundreds of singlets and t shirts depicting Ganesha sold by Balinese to tourists every day, how come that's not a problem
How about CERN in the middle of Switzerland with huge dancing Shiva statue?
I can go on and on
The noise and trash from this Atlas club is the real problem for it's neighbours, but I don't think showing Shiva is really disrespectful toward anyone
Twice a year for Galungan all of us foreigners who live here are happy and required to put the penjors in front of our houses, is that disrespectful also? I don't think so
Randy
Monday 10th of February 2025
@Višnja, Seriously....in Thailand images of Buddha is forbidden for private and for commercial exportation let alone using in night clubs in Thailand. If the image of Buddha in all shape and form used abroad is a whole different story just like as much as Shiva, Ganesha and so on...
Your argument is baseless!!
Why would you think is disrespectful to display a penjor because foreigners do it?? Do you you feel Guilty to use cultural appropriation...
WAYAN BO
Thursday 6th of February 2025
🦧: Sure they should only show pictures of Orang-Utan’s 🤣
Exp
Wednesday 5th of February 2025
Depiction of Lord Shiva is a no-go now? I guess a huge clampdown on tattoo parlors next. I would not like to be a foreigner walking around with these gods depicted as tattoos or on t-shirts, risking attacks by the locals.
Randy
Monday 10th of February 2025
@Exp, they do not know the meaning of cultural appropriation!!
Shorty
Sunday 9th of February 2025
@Exp,
I've tatts depicting Shiva, Ganesha and Hanuman. Add Om Swastiastu in Balinese script. Risking attack??? Just the opposite if they're noticed. The normal reaction is 🙏.
Shorty
Sunday 9th of February 2025
@Exp,
It wasn't the depiction of Shiva per se, but the circumstances and activity associated with it.
Wosto
Wednesday 5th of February 2025
It’s time to close this club? Not respecting the Balinese Culture! They only miss using Bali to make they on profit.