FKUB Meets Governor Koster to Discuss Takbir Activities Coinciding with Nyepi Day
The Bali Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) met with Bali Governor Wayan Koster to discuss the evening takbir activities for Eid al-Fitr, which may coincide with the observance of the Hindu sacred day of Nyepi on 19 March 2026.
FKUB Bali Chairman Ida Penglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet stated that the closed-door meeting was conducted in a positive atmosphere filled with warmth and camaraderie among the various religious councils.
The observance of Nyepi coinciding with Eid al-Fitr has occurred frequently since 1997. The joint statements issued represent consistent points agreed upon each year.
“(Takbir) is permitted; we leave it to each council to decide whether to observe it or not—it is not for us to dictate,” Sukahet said during an interview at Jayasabha in Denpasar on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Sukahet emphasised that Muslims also have a stake in Bali and contribute to preserving the sanctity of Nyepi. The observance of Nyepi is upheld not only by Balinese Hindu communities but by all Christians, Buddhists, Confucians, Catholics, and Muslims.
“Because of the harmony and mutual respect amongst us Hindus, this is our collective responsibility for Bali and the Republic of Indonesia,” he explained.
The Chairman of the Bali Traditional Village Council also expressed concern over provocative narratives circulating on social media. Consequently, he asked Islamic organisations and councils to encourage the maintenance of harmony on social media platforms.
“We hope problems will never arise. During our lifetime there will always be issues, particularly around Nyepi when various things emerge. There may even be domestic quarrels or various other incidents,” Sukahet noted.
Governor Wayan Koster added that the observance of these two religious holidays should be conducted in a conducive, comfortable, and safe manner.
“The message is for people to respect one another, maintain tolerance, harmony, and interfaith understanding,” Koster emphasised.
MUI Statement
The Indonesian Council of Islamic Scholars (MUI) Bali urged Muslims in Bali to respect the observance of the sacred day of Nyepi if it coincides with the evening of takbir or Tarawih prayers.
“We appeal to Muslims to continue respecting the observance of Nyepi, whilst also conducting limited religious activities,” said MUI Bali Chairman Mahrusun Hadiyono at Jayasabha on Wednesday.
Mahrusun encouraged Muslims to follow the joint statement issued by FKUB Bali, allowing takbir or Tarawih prayers if the mosque or prayer hall is close to one’s residence.
“Takbir is a form of worship at the mosque for those nearest to it; if the mosque is five kilometres away, then there is no need—remain at home,” he said.
Chairperson of the East Java Nahdlatul Ulama Province (PWNU) Bali, Abdul Aziz, held the same view. Aziz encouraged Nahdlatul Ulama members to perform Tarawih prayers at home in order to respect the observance of Nyepi.
“Through various autonomous bodies, to my knowledge, although the Hindu community gave permission to conduct takbir and Tarawih prayers, we this year choose mutual respect,” he explained.