Indonesian Actress Luna Maya Rebuilds Her Bali Home After Pandemic-Era Damage
Indonesian actress Luna Maya has clarified that a house in Bali drawing public attention after a 'melaspas' purification ceremony is not a new purchase but a property she has owned since 2011, rebuilt after it fell into disrepair during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the home, previously rented out, will now be used privately as a base for visits to Kuta and Seminyak and will not be re-rented commercially.
Popular Indonesian actress Luna Maya has issued a clarification about her home in Bali after a traditional Balinese Hindu building purification ceremony, known as 'melaspas,' held at the property drew public attention on social media.
Luna Maya explained that the house is not a newly purchased property but one she has owned since 2011. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the house stood unoccupied for several years and fell into severe disrepair, prompting her to demolish the old structure rather than attempt repairs.
Before the pandemic, the property had been rented out to tenants. However, due to the extent of the damage, she decided to tear down the entire building and construct a new one in its place.
She stated that the rebuilt house will not be rented out commercially again. Instead, it will serve as a private base for her own visits to Bali and as accommodation for friends traveling to the island. She noted that her mother's house, located in eastern Bali, is far from areas like Kuta and Seminyak where she typically spends time, which is why she previously relied on hotels for short trips.
The case serves as a reminder for anyone owning property in Bali of the risks of structural deterioration when a building sits vacant for extended periods, as well as the continued role of Balinese Hindu religious rituals, such as melaspas, in the use of residential buildings on the island.
Things to Consider
Foreign residents or investors who own or plan to rent property in Bali should be aware that homes left vacant for extended periods can deteriorate rapidly, and should consider arranging regular inspections or property management services. It is also advisable to consult a local real estate agent or legal advisor in advance about Balinese Hindu customs, such as the 'melaspas' purification ceremony, which may apply when acquiring or renovating a property.
Source: Demokratis.co.id