Government Issues Directive to Shut Down Internet Services During Nyepi 2026 in Bali
The Indonesian Government has set Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence and Balinese New Year (Saka Year 1948), for 19 March 2026. A directive has been issued to shut down mobile data and internet services during the 2026 Nyepi celebration in Bali.
The directive is contained in Ministerial Circular Letter No. 2 of 2026 from the Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs regarding the implementation of the joint directive for the Nyepi celebration of Saka Year 1948 in Bali Province in 2026. The details are as follows:
All telecommunications operators providing mobile data services and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), as well as broadcasting institutions in Bali Province, are required to deactivate and/or cease internet services through mobile networks and the distribution and/or transmission of television and radio broadcast content on Thursday, 19 March 2026 from 06:00 WITA until Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA. Critical infrastructure services and other public interest services that must remain operational will maintain their connectivity.
Telecommunications operators providing mobile data services must inform the public of the temporary suspension of mobile data and IPTV services during Nyepi of Saka Year 1948 through SMS broadcasts sent on 12, 16, 17, and 18 March 2026 using agreed-upon messaging.
Telecommunications operators and broadcasting institutions must take measures to prevent and/or counter hoaxes, online gambling, and negative content.
Nyepi 2026 Holiday Schedule in Bali
Regarding the Hindu Holy Day, there are official holidays and dispensations in Bali to allow Hindu religious adherents to observe their sacred day according to their religious obligations. According to the Circular Letter from the Governor of Bali concerning National Holidays and Joint Leave in 2026, the following is the Nyepi 2026 holiday schedule in Bali:
Wednesday, 18 March 2026: Tawur Kesanga Holy Day
Thursday, 19 March 2026: Nyepi Holy Day, Saka Year 1948
Friday, 20 March 2026: Ngembak Geni Holy Day
National Holiday Schedule for Nyepi 2026
According to the Joint Circular of Three Ministers on National Holidays and Joint Leave in 2026, national holidays and joint leave for Nyepi 2026 fall on:
Wednesday, 18 March 2026: Joint leave for Nyepi (Saka Year 1948 New Year)
Thursday, 19 March 2026: Nyepi Holy Day (Saka Year 1948 New Year)
This is followed by Eid al-Fitr 2026 holidays with the following schedule:
Wednesday, 18 March 2026: Joint leave for Nyepi Holy Day, Saka Year 1948 New Year
Thursday, 19 March 2026: Nyepi Holy Day, Saka Year 1948 New Year
Friday, 20 March 2026: Joint leave for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri
Saturday, 21 March 2026: Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri
Sunday, 22 March 2026: Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri
Monday, 23 March 2026: Joint leave for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri
Tuesday, 24 March 2026: Joint leave for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri