Government Urges Providers to Shut Down Internet for 24 Hours During Nyepi in Bali

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has urged telecommunications operators to deactivate mobile data and cellular services during the Sacred Day of Nyepi in the Saka 1948 year in Bali. This is outlined in the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs’ Circular Letter Number 2 of 2026 regarding the Call to Implement the Joint Call on the Observance of the Series of Sacred Days of Nyepi in the Saka 1948 Year in the Province of Bali 2026, issued in Jakarta on 12 March 2026. The circular is addressed to telecommunications providers offering mobile data services and internet protocol television (IPTV), as well as broadcasting institutions in Bali, to carry out the joint call by deactivating mobile data services and IPTV-based television broadcasts during the Nyepi celebrations in the Bali region. “All telecommunications providers offering mobile data services and IPTV, as well as broadcasting institutions in the province of Bali, are to deactivate and/or halt internet services via mobile networks, as well as the distribution and/or transmission of television and radio broadcast content on Thursday, 19 March 2026, at 06:00 WITA until Friday, 20 March 2026, at 06:00 WITA,” states the circular, quoted on Wednesday (18 March 2026). However, providers are also requested to maintain the quality of mobile data services at vital objects and other public interest services, such as hospitals, government offices, airports, ports, PLN offices, as well as police and military offices. In addition, telecommunications providers and data services are asked to convey information to the public about the temporary suspension of mobile data and IPTV services via SMS blasts sent on 12, 16, 17, and 18 March in accordance with the agreed narrative.