Bali Ceremony Goes Viral After Pickup Truck Burned in Cremation
KLUNGKUNG, BALI – A large-scale Ngaben ceremony, a Balinese Hindu cremation ritual known as Pitra Yadnya, has gone viral on social media due to an unconventional element: the burning of a pickup truck. The ceremony, held on Wednesday (March 12, 2025) in Setra Desa Adat Sebunibus, Desa Sakti, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali, was in honor of Jero Mangku Gede Pasek I Nengah Setar.
Video footage of the ceremony sparked speculation that gold and diamonds were also sacrificed, aligning with the deceased’s wishes as stated in his will. However, local residents have only confirmed the burning of the pickup truck. Claims about any other items remain unverified.
According to a report by detikBali, a resident of Nusa Penida named Putra confirmed the pickup truck was indeed part of the ceremony. “It is true that a pickup truck was burned,” he said.
The truck, which transported Jero Setar to the cremation site, 15 kilometers (approximately 9.3 miles) away, was set ablaze alongside a traditional bade (funeral tower) and lembu (sacred bull effigy).
Jero Setar was a highly respected figure in Nusa Penida, drawing a large crowd to the ceremony. He was known for his generosity, having donated significant sums to local temples, sometimes amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah.
“I live far away in Desa Pejukutan, but I still know of Jero Setar. His contributions to the community were immense,” said Putra.
Another local, Wayan Lasta, described Jero Setar as a wealthy philanthropist who had helped the people of Nusa Penida for many years. “From around 1982 to 2000, when I worked at the land office (previously known as the agrarian office), I often dealt with him. He helped many people in Nusa Penida obtain land certificates. That was before he dedicated himself fully as a priest,” Lasta recalled.
Ngaben, also known as pelebon, is a sacred Balinese Hindu cremation ceremony. Its purpose is to return the soul of the deceased to God. It is believed that certain possessions can accompany the soul into the afterlife.
