Internet and TV Off During Nyepi: How Will Muslims in Bali Access Ied al-Fitr Announcement Results?

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) will hold the isbat session to determine 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriyah on Thursday, 19 March 2026. In Bali, that day coincides with the Sacred Day of Nyepi, during which all internet access and television broadcasts are disabled for 24 hours.

This situation raises questions about how the Muslim community in Bali can obtain information on the results of the isbat session for 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriyah. The Bali Regional Office of Kemenag has provided clarification on the matter.

Acting Head of Islamic Community Guidance at the Bali Kemenag Regional Office, Syarif Hidayatullah, said he had received information that some internet networks would still be usable during Nyepi, albeit not at full capacity.

He stated that this could be utilised by the public to access online news. Additionally, mosque administrators or religious figures could exchange information through their quick messaging app groups.

“Usually, those mosque takmir groups are connected—some across Indonesia or the province. Normally, if there’s a result, it’s shared through those groups, but officially, we don’t know yet,” Syarif told detikBali on Wednesday (18/3/2026).

“Usually from the Indonesian Mosque Council, MUI, especially the Indonesian Mosque Council because they’re connected,” he added.

Syarif admitted that Kemenag has not yet issued an official mechanism for conveying the isbat session results during Nyepi. Therefore, he advised the public to seek their own alternatives to obtain the information.

Additionally, Syarif explained that Ramadan typically lasts only 29 days. This means the last day of Ramadan falls on 19 March 2026. For Muhammadiyah, who follow calculation methods, they are certain to perform takbiran.

“Now, for Nahdliyin, if 20th is not (Syawal) yet, according to the Prophet’s hadith, it should be completed to 30 days of fasting, so it can be estimated,” Syarif clarified.