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