Eid Takbiran Coinciding with Nyepi, MUI Urges Muslims to Maintain Tolerance in Bali

Jakarta — The Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Cholil Nafis, has urged Muslims to maintain a tolerant attitude while conducting takbiran that coincides with the Hindu community’s celebration of Nyepi Day in Bali.

According to him, Indonesia as a nation founded on belief in the One God provides space for all religious adherents to practise their respective worship. Therefore, it is important for every community to respect one another.

“For those of you observing Nyepi, we Muslims must not disturb,” said Kiai Cholil when met after the press conference of the Sidang Isbat 1 Syawal 1447 H at the Ministry of Religious Affairs office, Jl MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (19/3/2026) night.

He explained that Muslims can still proclaim takbir in welcoming Eid al-Fitr. However, its implementation needs to be adjusted so as not to disturb Hindus who are observing Catur Brata Penyepian.

“Our friends who wish to perform takbir, please do so, but without strong amplifiers, so as not to disturb our brothers and sisters observing Nyepi,” he clarified.

This caregiver of the Cendikia Amanah Islamic Boarding School in Depok also stressed the importance of dialogue and communication among religious communities so that both forms of worship can proceed comfortably and devoutly.

“It can be done through dialogue, done well, so that worship can be carried out comfortably and maximally in a bustling and prosperous Indonesia,” he said.

It is known that some Muslim communities in Bali began conducting takbiran on Thursday (19/3/2026) night, coinciding with the implementation of Nyepi by the Hindu community. This situation demands mutual understanding and respect among religious communities.