Denpasar's Regulatory Body States Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr Coinciding Not Unprecedented

The Board of National Unity and Politics (Kesbangpol) of Denpasar City has clarified that the convergence of Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr celebrations is not unprecedented and has occurred several times previously. Most recently, this occurred in 2023. This year, Nyepi is estimated to coincide with the Takbir night.

“In fact, we do not see it as a problem here, as Muslims and followers of other faiths, we are all brothers and sisters,” explained the Head of Kesbangpol Denpasar City, Anak Agung Ngurah Gede Darma Putra Atmadja, on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

According to him, similar experiences that are not occurring for the first time in Bali have never caused any problems. Atmadja noted that conditions proceed safely. Members of different faiths look after one another.

“When prayers are held, yesterday they prayed in the field, and the pecalang (traditional security) helped maintain order. Yesterday during Imlek, the Banser came to help, and mosque security helped maintain order. This is not a problem,” Atmadja said.

He assessed that the controversy arising on social media does not reflect the actual situation. Meanwhile, followers of various religions have lived side by side in Bali for a long time.

“I apologise, but these recent concerns. Perhaps those recently troubled feel they are being restricted. Actually, that is not the case. We celebrate the new year together. In Hinduism, we first observe silence, a period of introspection. After that, there is fraternal engagement with Muslims, and we respect each other as well. Now there is something called social media, and we do not know whether this is being stoked or what,” Atmadja explained.

Atmadja also mentioned that Kesbangpol together with the Forum for Interfaith Harmony (FKUB) in Denpasar City holds rotating meetings with religious councils. The meetings are not held at a single location but rotate among the various religious councils.

Atmadja also revealed that security arrangements for Nyepi and the Takbir night on 19 March are the responsibility of several parties. These include the pecalang, Village Customary Security (Bankamda), and mosque security personnel.

“It is not only the pecalang, there is also the Bankamda for the local neighbourhood. For example, there is Kampung Jawa. Next to it is Wangaya Kaja, and Banjar Lumintang in the middle has mosque security. There is also Wanasari Bersatu. This means it is not only the pecalang; the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) also has the Ansor Multipurpose Force (Banser),” Atmadja explained.