Bali Island Is Quiet, Pecalang Patrols Without Vehicles

One of the roads in Bali when Nyepi/ Photo: Antara

BALI - The atmosphere of all areas on the island of Bali was observed to be quiet and deserted when Hindus began undergoing Catur Brata Penyepian on Nyepi Day New Year Saka 1945 starting Wednesday, at 06.00 WITA.

In the Tuban Traditional Village area, Badung Regency, Bali, since the implementation of Nyepi, no residents have traveled outside their homes.

The streets around the Tuban Traditional Village, which on the previous night were crowded with thousands of residents who watched the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, also seemed deserted without being seen by passing vehicles.

A number of pecalang or Balinese traditional security officers patrolled on foot to ensure that there were no residents or tourists outside the house or hotel.

During Nyepi Day, Hindus carry out Catur Brata Penyepian, which is not using fire, including lighting, not traveling (flood), not enjoying entertainment (observation of the auction), and not working (observing works).

Catur Brata Penyepian itu dilaksanakan selama 24 jam, sejak Rabu, pukul 06.00 WITA hingga Kamis, 23 Maret, pukul 06.00.

In the Tuban Traditional Village area, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and Bali Mandara Toll Road temporarily suspended operations during Nyepi Day.

General Manager of Bali International Airport I Gusti Ngurah Rai Handy Heryudhitiawan said that his party as the manager of Bali Airport supports the implementation of the New Year's Nyepi Day Saka 1945 by temporarily stopping air travel operations, specifically commercial flights.

His party is also still alerting officers to anticipate if there are flights that are emergency and also medical evacuation.

"The termination of operations during Nyepi Day was stated in Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) No. 0018/23 has also been coordinated with the entire airport community since three months ago," Handy said, quoting Antara, Tuesday, March 22.

PT Jasamarga Bali Tol (JBT) also temporarily closed the operation of the Bali Mandara Toll Road during Nyepi Day Saka 1945 for 32 hours.

"The temporary closure of the Bali Mandara Toll Road will be carried out starting Tuesday (March 21) at 23.00 and will reopen on Thursday (March 23) starting at 07.00 after Nyepi Day," said President Director of PT Jasamarga Bali Toll I Ketut Adiputra Karang.

He explained that the temporary closure of the toll road connecting Denpasar City-I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport- Nusa Dua area, Badung Regency was carried out in order to maintain the complaints of Balinese traditions and culture.

"This is a form of the company's concern in respecting and respecting the local wisdom of the celebration of Nyepi Day which is the religious holiday of Hindus in Bali," he said.