Nyepi-Malam Takbiran Potentially Simultaneous, Kemenag: Muslims in Bali Can Takbiran Without Sound Amplifier

Head of the Public Relations and Public Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Religion Thobib Al Asyhar. ANTARA/HO-Kemenag

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia has issued guidelines for the implementation of the takbiran night if it coincides with Nyepi Day on March 19, 2026 which is likely to coincide with the takbiran night of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.

One of the points in the guidance states that Muslims are still allowed to carry out takbir, but without using loudspeakers.

Head of the Public Relations and Public Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Religion, Thobib Al Asyhar, said that the guidelines were compiled after coordination with local governments as well as religious and community leaders in Bali.

"From the beginning we have coordinated with the local government and religious leaders in Bali. The principle is that if the time is right, both of these celebrations can still be carried out with mutual respect and understanding," said Thobib in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, March 8.

According to him, the guidelines were issued to ensure that both religious celebrations could take place well, with tolerance, and still maintain the harmony of religious life in Bali.

In the guide it is stated that Muslims are allowed to carry out takbir in the nearest mosque or mosque by walking, without using loudspeakers, without lighting firecrackers or other sounds, and using sufficient lighting.

The implementation of takbiran is limited from 18.00 WITA to 21.00 WITA.

In addition, security and order of takbir activities are the responsibility of each mosque or mushala manager while coordinating with local security forces.

The Village Adat Prajuru, mosque or mushala managers, pecalang, Linmas, and village or sub-district officials are also asked to cooperate in maintaining the security and order of the Nyepi implementation and takbiran activities in their respective areas.

Thobib emphasized that the guidelines only apply to Bali and are specifically applied if the night of takbiran coincides with Nyepi Day.

"This guide is only for Bali. If someone makes a social media content with the framing that this guide applies to all areas, it is not true," he said.

The guidelines are contained in a joint appeal signed by the Chairman of the Bali Interfaith Harmony Forum, Ida Pengelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion I Gusti Made Sunartha, Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya, Danrem 163/Wira Satya Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra, and Bali Governor Wayan Koster.

The same was conveyed by the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religion I Nengah Duija.

According to him, the guidelines are specific and only apply to Bali, but can serve as a reference for other areas that have Hindu communities if the Eid al-Fitr moment coincides with Nyepi Day.

"We hope that the public understands these guidelines as a form of collective wisdom to maintain harmony and mutual respect between religious communities," said Duija.

The Ministry of Religion also invites the public to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and not be influenced by information on social media that can trigger misunderstanding.

Recently, there has been content circulating on social media that says the guidelines are valid nationwide, although the rules are only intended for the Bali region.

"We invite religious people not to be easily provoked. Indonesia has a long tradition of caring for tolerance. Adjustments like this actually show our maturity in religion and living side by side," said Thobib.