The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the fundamental value of Hindu teachings such as Tatvam Asi and Tri Hita Karana constitute fundamental strengths for the Indonesian nation in maintaining harmony and strengthening national unity.
This message was delivered by the President through a video address as the central message of the National Dharma Santi for Saka Year 1948 / 2026. The event, which marked the peak of the Nyepi Holy Day celebration, was organized by Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) Central Board at Panggung Terbuka Ardha, Denpasar, on Friday.
In his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized that Dharma Santi is not merely ceremonial, but a crucial moment to forgive one another and reaffirm the values of virtue (Dharma) in national life.
“Dharma Santi is a moment to strengthen brotherhood. The value of Tatvam Asi—living with mutual respect and balance—is our strength as a nation united in diversity,” the President stated.
He also specifically called on Hindus across Indonesia to uphold the concept of Tri Hita Karana (harmonious relationships with God, human beings, and nature). The contribution of the Hindu community is vital in building an Indonesia that is just, prosperous, and self-reliant.
Despite the President’s inability to attend in person, he delivered his apologies to the Bali community, his vision was reinforced by the presence of cabinet members and high-ranking government officials. The Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, I Nengah Duija, attended alongside ministers as a manifestation of the government’s commitment to community development.
Representing the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, the Vice Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha highlighted how Bali’s local values have inspired global environmental preservation.
Giring shared his reflection on the teaching of Karma Yoga from the Bhagavad Gita—working selflessly without attachment to results. He praised the Balinese community, whom through Nyepi, have demonstrated a real model of environmental conservation long before movements such as Earth Hour gained worldwide recognition.
Echoing this view, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno emphasized the relevance of Nyepi in today’s digitally “noisy” era.
“Today’s world is very noisy. We are constantly flooded with information without pause, yet absorb very little. Nyepi teaches us to pause, restore clarity, and rebuild our relationship with God, nature, and one another,” he said. He also encouraged Generation Z to adopt the spirit of Nyepi in social media use by applying the principle of “filter before sharing.”
Chairman of the Central Executive Board of PHDI, Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, welcomed the President’s message by encouraging the community to implement the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“We Are All One Family”). He emphasized the importance of collective awareness in preserving the sanctity of temples, maintaining cultural heritage sites, and respecting historical traditions (purana) for the advancement of Indonesia.
The event concluded with a joint prayer and captivating cultural performances, reinforcing the message of peace and interfaith harmony that lies at the heart of the 2026 National Dharma Santi celebration.
Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
