Day of Silence and campaigns

Day of Silence and campaigns

From Koran Tempo

It has been reported in the media that on March 22 there will
be no election campaigns in deference to Hindus observing the Day
of Silence (Nyepi).

We are very happy and also proud to learn that the General
Elections Commission (KPU) and political parties contesting the
elections pay attention to one of our religious holy days. We
have to make it clear, however, that Nyepi this year does not
fall on March 22, but on Sunday, March 21. It is the government's
policy to make Monday a public holiday when a religious holy day
happens to fall on a Sunday. Of course, the religious rites will
be conducted on the original holy day.

We deem it necessary to make this clarification to prevent any
misunderstanding that may result from this government policy.
There will be no election campaigns on March 22 to honor Hindu
believers performing their religious duties. In fact, Hindu
believers will not be performing any religious duties on that
day. Even in Bali, whose population is predominantly Hindu and
where those professing other religions have always shown great
tolerance during the observance of Nyepi, election campaigns will
be held on March 22 because Nyepi will be over.

If the KPU and political parties contesting the elections want
to allow Hindu believers to observe the four abstentions during
Nyepi, including abstention from leaving one's house, they must
not have election campaigns on March 21, which is what will
happen in Bali.

However, we are not insistent on this matter. We are fully
aware of the significance of the general election for the state
and nation. We are grateful for this and can make the merriment
of the campaigns a challenge for us in observing Nyepi.

PUTU SETIA
Chairman of Hindu Forum
for Peace and Democracy
Jakarta