Communications Ministry Requests Internet Shutdown During Nyepi in Bali, Except for Critical Infrastructure
Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has issued a circular directive to all broadcasting institutions in Bali requiring them to suspend broadcasting operations and instructing telecommunications providers to halt mobile data services during the sacred observance of Nyepi on 19 March 2026.
The directive, formalised as Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs Circular Number 2 of 2026 concerning recommendations for implementing the joint appeal regarding the Nyepi observance in Bali Province in 2026, was issued following correspondence from Bali’s Regional Secretary and a joint appeal from Bali’s inter-faith religious harmony forum.
Minister Hafid explained that the circular aims to encourage telecommunications service providers offering mobile data and internet protocol television (IPTV) services, as well as broadcasting institutions in Bali, to take steps supporting the joint appeal on the sacred day of Nyepi.
“The purpose of issuing this circular is to provide a recommendation to telecommunications operators providing mobile data and IPTV services and broadcasting institutions in Bali Province to take appropriate measures in support of the joint appeal on Nyepi,” Hafid stated on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
All broadcasting institutions are required to cease transmissions from 06:00 Central Indonesia Time on Thursday, 19 March, until 06:00 on Friday, 20 March 2026. However, the directive stipulates that mobile data service quality must be maintained for critical infrastructure and other essential public services that must continue operating.
Broadcasting institutions and telecommunications providers will inform the public of the service suspension through SMS messages distributed on 12, 16, 17, and 18 March 2026, with messaging agreed upon jointly.
Additionally, telecommunications operators and broadcasting institutions are directed to take measures to prevent and counteract hoaxes, online gambling, and harmful content during this period.