Australian Bhutanese embassy issues apology as two nationals caught defacing Uluru
Two foreign nationals have been barred from visiting an Australian icon, with their home country issuing an apology for the ‘deep offence’ caused. Find out more.
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Two Bhutanese citizens have been barred from Uluru after they were busted defacing the rock, with their embassy issuing an apology to the Anangu traditional owners for the “deep offence” the foreign nationals caused.
In a statement the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra “conveyed its sincere apologies” after two Bhutanese nationals defaced the Kulpi Mutitjulu sacred rock art.
The statement from by the embassy did not give the age, gender, or name of the two nationals who defaced the rock, but said the duo “wrote a Sanskrit message over ancient Indigenous artwork”.
The duo have been fined, removed from the park, and barred from returning for their actions which caused “deep offence” to the traditional owners “while also straining park resources in the clean up process”, the statement said.
Uluru is part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is overseen by Parks Australia.
It is also listed on the UNESCO world heritage register, and is one of Australia’s iconic tourist locations.
A Parks Australia spokesperson said the damage occurred in August 2024, with the damaged site still closed.
The traditional owners of Uluru are the Anangu, who are “distressed” by the damage, the spokesperson said.
“Some individuals were issued with infringement notices with penalties” in relation to the damage, the spokesperson said.
“(Parks Australia) rangers and wardens can issue infringement notices for certain offences under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000,” they said.
“The site is likely to remain closed until at least mid-2025, to allow for upgrades to security and visitor access at the site, in accordance with the wishes of Aṉangu. Any decision to reopen the area will be made in close consultation with Aṉangu.
“Out of respect for Aṉangu and the distress the damage has caused, Parks Australia will not be providing more specific details regarding the incident.”
In their statement, the Bhutanese embassy said it wanted to remind all visitors the deep cultural and spiritual connection of Uluru to the local community.
“The Uluru-Kata Tjuta area has been home to the Anangu people for over 30,000 years,” the statement said.
“It is a living cultural landscape, imbued with profound spiritual meaning and sacred traditions that continue to be honoured today.
“We request Bhutanese visitors to cultural and sacred sites including protected areas, anywhere in Australia, to be mindful and respectful of local sensitivities and by the regulations of such sites.”
Originally published as Australian Bhutanese embassy issues apology as two nationals caught defacing Uluru
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