Nyepi Day 2021 In Bali, Internet Network Remains Alive, Cellular Data And IPTV Shut Down

ILLUSTRATION / NYEPI CELEBRATION DAY IN BALI (DOK. ANTARA0

DENPASAR - The Bali Provincial Government confirmed that the internet network would remain on the Silent Day (Nyepi) of the Caka New Year 1943 on Sunday, March 14. However, cellular data and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) are turned off for 24 hours.

Head of the Bali Provincial Government's Informatics and Statistics Office, Gede Pramana, explained that the internet network on Nyepi Day 2021 is still alive. Meanwhile, cellular data and IPTV are turned off at 06.00 WITA, Sunday, March 14 until 06.00 WITA, Monday, March 15.

"For this purpose, Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra has written to the Minister of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia to request support for the termination of cellular data and IPTV on Nyepi Saka Year 1943," Pramana said, Monday, March 8.

The Silent Day in Bali is identical to the disconnection of the internet and television broadcasts so that Catur Brata Silence can take place wisely and solemnly.

However, because it is still in the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet network is still turned on. Internet services are turned on not only in places of vital service but also to networks to homes.

"This means that what is turned off is cellular data and IPTV if the internet is still alive. Internet in homes, especially in hospitals and places (or) other vital objects remains alive as usual. Only those on cellphones off. SMS and telephones can be used, even computers, laptops, and cellphones, if connected to WiFi at home or office, can still be used as usual", added Pramana.

The termination of cellular data and IPTV during Nyepi Day 2021 is a follow-up to the joint call of the religious assemblies of Bali Province in 2021 concerning the Implementation of the Silent Day Series for Caka Year 1943. This was intended to create a solemn and orderly implementation of Nyepi.

Still related to the Nyepi Day, three institutions, namely the Bali Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commission, the Bali Provincial Government, and the Bali DPRD (Regional House of Representatives) have also signed a memorandum of understanding regarding an appeal not to broadcast and/or relay broadcasts on Nyepi Day on March 14, 2021.

The memorandum of understanding aims to appeal to all broadcasters broadcasting and/or relaying their broadcasts to the area of Bali Province not to broadcast on Nyepi Day 2021.

"Also, transportation service providers (land, sea, and air) are not allowed to operate for 24 hours", he said.