2,169 Police Officers Deployed to Secure Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr Celebrations in Bali
The Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) held a roll call for Operation Ketupat Agung 2026 at Iptu Soetardjo Field, Brimob Police Headquarters of Polda Bali on Thursday, 13 March 2026 to support celebrations of Nyepi in the year Saka 1948 and Eid al-Fitr in 1447 Hijri in 2026. A total of 2,169 personnel were deployed to secure Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The roll call was led by Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, accompanied by Bali Governor Wayan Koster and attended by Commander of Military Region IX/Udayana Major General Piek Budyakto along with other Forkopimda elements.
Operation Ketupat Agung 2026 will run for 13 days, from 13 March to 25 March 2026. The operation aims to ensure security and smooth flow of Eid al-Fitr holiday travel in both directions, whilst maintaining public security and order during the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Bali.
Daniel stated that 2,169 personnel from the National Police (Polri) would be involved in the operation. The security implementation also received support from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and various relevant stakeholders.
“This operation involves 2,169 Polri personnel, naturally with support from our TNI colleagues and other relevant stakeholders,” Daniel said.
He explained that Operation Ketupat Agung is a public security and order maintenance operation that prioritises preemptive and preventive activities. In addition, security, safety, order, and traffic flow management measures are implemented, along with firm and measured enforcement action if legal violations occur.
According to Daniel, there are two main objectives in implementing this operation. Firstly, to achieve security, safety, order and smooth traffic flow for holiday travel and public activities during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Secondly, to create a conducive public security and order situation before, during, and after the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations.
As part of the operation, Polda Bali established seven task forces (satgas). These seven task forces include the Preemptive Task Force responsible for eliminating potential security threats, the Preventive Task Force ensuring police presence within the community, and the Traffic Safety and Order Task Force.
Additionally, there are the Law Enforcement Task Force, Action Task Force, Public Relations Task Force, and Operational Support Task Force supporting the implementation of security activities in the field.
To support operation implementation, 31 security checkpoints were established at various locations across Bali. These checkpoints consist of 15 security posts, 11 service posts, and five integrated posts staffed by Polri personnel, TNI, and other relevant stakeholders.
Daniel also explained that the scope of security protection in this operation is quite extensive. These include 256 mosques, 539 prayer rooms, and 351 Eid al-Fitr prayer locations. Additionally, security measures are deployed at 308 takbiran eve celebration sites, one airport, eight ports, 11 terminals, and 77 tourist attractions or recreational facilities. Furthermore, 59 traditional markets, seven modern markets, and 37 shopping centres are included in priority security coverage during the operation.
Daniel added that one particular area of focus in Bali is the series of Nyepi Day celebrations falling on 19 March 2026. Several activities of concern include Tawur Agung Kesanga, the ogoh-ogoh procession, and pengerupukan (ritual noise-making to drive out evil spirits).
“The point of attention when we are in Bali is the series of Nyepi activities such as Tawur Agung Kesanga, the ogoh-ogoh procession and pengerupukan. These occur close to the estimated takbiran night, because to date the government is still awaiting an official announcement from the Ministry of Religion regarding the determination of Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
On this occasion, Daniel also appealed to residents planning to travel for the holidays to ensure their homes are secure before departure. He urged residents to check electrical installations, stoves, and ensure doors and windows are locked to prevent fire and theft.
Additionally, residents were asked to inspect vehicle conditions and complete required documentation before travelling, whether leaving or within the Bali region. He also invited residents planning to leave their homes for extended periods to deposit their vehicles or valuables at the nearest police station.
“Do not hesitate to leave your vehicles or valuables at the police station. We are ready to safeguard them at the local precinct, district police office or regional police headquarters,” he said.
He also invited all residents to maintain tolerance and mutual respect, particularly given that Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr celebrations fall close together in time.
Residents were also urged to carry out takbiran activities simply and respectfully, in line with collective guidance regarding takbiran implementation that coincides with Nyepi celebrations in Bali.
Finally, Daniel reminded residents to be vigilant against various online fraud schemes that frequently emerge before the religious holidays, such as scams disguised as holiday bonuses, prizes, or Eid al-Fitr donations.
“These scams typically invoke religion, Eid al-Fitr or Nyepi activities. For this reason, the public must be more vigilant,” he concluded.