If Eid al-Fitr Falls on Nyepi Day, Can Bali Muslims Hold Takbiran?

JAKARTA — Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar highlighted preparations ahead of Nyepi Day in Bali, which is scheduled for 19 March 2026. He noted that the holiday is set to fall close to Eid al-Fitr for Muslims. The minister explained that if Idul Fitri falls on 20 March, takbiran in Bali will still be allowed, but conducted in a limited manner, without loudspeakers, without vehicle processions, and with minimal lighting. ‘This is carried out as a form of interfaith tolerance in Bali, based on a mutual agreement,’ he said in Jakarta on Tuesday (3 March 2026). However, if Idul Fitri falls on 21 March 2026, Nyepi and takbiran can proceed normally according to their respective times. The minister emphasised that cross-sector coordination is key to ensuring public services during mudik and religious celebrations run safely, orderly and comfortably. ‘The state must be present to ensure people can perform worship while also undertaking mudik journeys safely and in a humane manner, and mosques are an important part of that public service,’ he said. Meanwhile, Jembrana Regency government in Bali urged the community to maintain tolerance during Nyepi and Idul Fitri, which fall almost concurrently. ‘We call on all people to treat Nyepi and Idul Fitri as a moment of tolerance. Let us together prove that Jembrana can be a barometer of religious tolerance,’ said Deputy Regent I Gede Ngurah Patriana Krisna in Negara, Jembrana Regency, on Monday (2 March 2026).