The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued guidelines in case Nyepi Day coincides with the eve of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. The guidelines were formulated following coordination between the Ministry, the Bali provincial government, as well as religious and community leaders in Bali.
Head of the Ministry’s Bureau of Public Relations and Public Communication, Thobib Al Asyhar, said the step was taken to ensure that both religious observances can proceed smoothly if they take place at the same time, while maintaining mutual respect, tolerance, and harmony among religious communities in Bali.
“From the beginning, we have coordinated with the local government and religious leaders in Bali. The principle is that if the timing coincides, both celebrations can still be observed with mutual respect and understanding,” he said in Jakarta on Sunday.
The following are the guidelines for Eid al-Fitr Eve in Bali if it coincides with Nyepi:
First, Muslims may perform takbiran at the nearest masjid or prayer room (mushola) by walking, without using loudspeakers, fireworks, firecrackers, or other noise-making devices. Lighting should be kept to a minimum. The activity may take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA).
Second, Muslims maintain security and order during the takbiran, which will be the responsibility of each masjid or mushola management, while continuing to coordinate with local security authorities.
Moreover, customary village authorities (prajuru desa adat), mosque or mushola administrators, pecalang (traditional security officers), community protection units (linmas), and village or subdistrict officials are responsible for jointly ensuring security and order during both Nyepi observances and takbiran activities in their respective areas, in coordination with security personnel.
“This guideline applies only in Bali and only if the takbiran night coincides with Nyepi. If there are social media posts framing this guideline as applying nationwide, that information is incorrect,” he added.
The guideline is outlined in a Joint Appeal signed by the Chair of the Bali Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), Ida Pengelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet; Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, I Gusti Made Sunartha; Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya; Commander of Korem 163/Wira Satya Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra; and Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
A similar message was conveyed by Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, I Nengah Duija. According to him, the guideline is specific to Bali Province. However, it may also serve as a reference in other regions with Hindu communities if Eid al-Fitr happens to coincide with Nyepi.
“We hope the public understands this guideline as a form of shared wisdom to maintain harmony and mutual respect among religious communities,” he said.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs also called on the public to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and not be influenced by misleading narratives that could disrupt harmony. In recent days, social media posts have circulated claiming that the guideline applies to all regions, even though it is intended only for Bali.
“We urge people not to be easily provoked. Indonesia has a long tradition of fostering tolerance. Adjustments like this reflect our maturity in practicing our faith and living side by side,” he concluded.
Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
