FKUB Bali Bans Hotels and Tourist Sites from Promoting Nyepi Packages

Bali’s Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama (Inter-Religious Harmony Forum, FKUB) has issued a joint circular regarding the observance of the sacred Hindu day of Nyepi in 2026. Among the key provisions is a prohibition against tourism operators from promoting packages or commercial activities using the name of Nyepi.

“Accommodation service providers, entertainment service providers, and managers of tourist destinations in Bali are not permitted to promote business activities using branding or commercial activities in the name of the Sacred Day of Nyepi,” stated FKUB Bali chairman Ida Pengelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet in the joint circular issued on Sunday (1 March 2026).

Additionally, transportation service providers and broadcasting agencies are prohibited from operating during the observance of Catur Brata Penyepian (the four observances of Nyepi). These regulations apply from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA until Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA.

“Mobile telecommunications service providers are instructed to deactivate mobile data services, and all television service providers must suspend broadcasting during Nyepi observance as per the specified timeframe, whilst maintaining emergency communication services,” explained Sukahet.

In the joint circular, FKUB Bali has also regulated the observance of the Sacred Day of Nyepi Caka 1948, which coincides with the Eid al-Fitr takbir night for the Islamic year 1447 Hijriah.

FKUB permits Muslim communities to perform takbir celebrations at nearby mosques or prayer rooms from their homes, on foot without using vehicles. “Without the use of loudspeakers, without setting off firecrackers or other noise-making devices, and using only necessary lighting from 18:00 WITA until 21:00 WITA,” Sukahet clarified.

FKUB emphasised that security and order during takbir celebrations remain the responsibility of each mosque and prayer room management, coordinating with local security forces.

“Traditional village leaders, mosque and prayer room management, security volunteers (Pecalang and Linmas), and village/municipal officials are responsible for jointly maintaining security and order during both Nyepi observance and takbir activities in their respective areas, coordinating synergistically with security forces,” he stressed.

FKUB Bali has called upon all residents, business operators, and tourists to comply with and implement the joint circular with full awareness and responsibility.