Environmental Lights in Cakranegara, Mataram Switched Off During Nyepi

Street lights in the Cakranegara area of Mataram city, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), will be switched off during Nyepi Day, which falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The Cakranegara area is frequently referred to as a Hindu village as it is predominantly inhabited by Hindu residents.

The Subdistrict Head of Cakranegara, Irfan Syafindra, explained that the decision to switch off the street lights had been discussed with the Mayor of Mataram. Irfan said the policy was a form of religious tolerance in Mataram.

“Main road lights will not be switched off. However, in Hindu areas, efforts will be made to temporarily switch off lights independently ahead of Nyepi. In other areas, lights will not be switched off,” said Irfan on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Irfan identified several points where lights will be switched off during Nyepi in Cakranegara, including Cilinaya Street, Parikesit Street, Nakula Street, Sadewa Street, and several other roads.

“In principle, in Hindu areas, efforts will be made to switch off environmental street lights when needed, independently. This can be coordinated with the relevant department through the village office,” said Irfan.

“In Cakranegara, God willing, religious tolerance will continue to be well maintained,” he added.

Previously, the Mataram City Government had also mapped out several alternative routes along Pejanggik Street, Mataram, NTB, on the day before Nyepi. This was done to reduce traffic congestion during the ogoh-ogoh procession welcoming Nyepi Day on that stretch of road.

The Head of the Transportation Department (Dishub) of Mataram City, Zulkarwin, stated that the ogoh-ogoh procession will take place on Wednesday, 18 March. He urged residents wishing to watch the ogoh-ogoh procession to use small alleyways around Pejanggik Street.

“We urge residents wishing to watch the ogoh-ogoh to use collector routes or small alleyways to access the procession location. Since the main route will be closed until the procession concludes,” said Zulkarwin on Monday, 16 March.

Zulkarwin outlined several alternative routes to avoid congestion during the ogoh-ogoh procession on Pejanggik Street. For example, by accessing Bung Hatta Street heading south, then heading north via Bung Hatta Bypass Road. One can also go through Transito Road to Sriwijaya Street, Mataram.

The Mataram Transportation Department, he said, would deploy dozens of personnel to assist the police in managing congestion during the ogoh-ogoh procession. “There will be a Transportation Department team managing congestion during the ogoh-ogoh procession,” he explained.

The Traffic Police Chief of Mataram Police Resort, AKP Muhammad Puteh Rinaldi, explained that traffic management will be implemented during the ogoh-ogoh procession in Mataram. The four-way intersection of Pejanggik Street will be closed and diverted to Hos Cokroaminoto Street to Tumpang Sari Street.

“Along all road sections leading to Pejanggik Street, traffic diversions will be implemented from 8am to 6pm Wita,” said Puteh.