Karangasem District Government Ensures Religious Tolerance Ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri Celebrations
The Hindu New Year (Nyepi) in the Caka year 1948 is occurring close to the Islamic Idul Fitri festival in the Hijriah year 1447. The Karangasem district government, working alongside its leadership forum (Forkopimda) and religious leaders across denominations, has committed to maintaining religious tolerance so that celebrations of both major festivals proceed safely and smoothly.
This commitment was reinforced through the signing of a joint declaration regarding the implementation of Nyepi and Idul Fitri in Karangasem. The signing ceremony was attended by Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata (Gus Par), Deputy Regent Pandu Prapanca Lagosa, representatives from Forkopimda Karangasem, and leaders from the Karangasem Inter-Faith Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) at the Regent’s meeting hall on Monday, 9 March.
Regent Gus Par explained that the joint declaration resulted from intensive coordination and consensus discussions with relevant stakeholders. He hoped that religious observances by followers of each faith would proceed with reverence, safety, and peacefulness.
“This year represents a special moment where the sacred day of Nyepi coincides with the religious observances of our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Gus Par stated on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
The Karangasem district government seeks to ensure that all residents can fulfil their respective religious obligations. According to Gus Par, this approach prioritises mutual respect and the sanctity of the festivals.
The joint declaration includes several key points. One provision concerns respect for the observance of Catur Brata Penyepian in Karangasem, with all residents and tourists urged to comply with regulations during Nyepi.
Security for Nyepi and Idul Fitri in Karangasem involves police, military, and traditional community security personnel (pecalang). Gus Par urged residents to maintain order and resist provocation from divisive issues.
“Let us use this moment to strengthen our brotherhood. We demonstrate that in Karangasem, harmony is the foundation of our development,” Gus Par concluded.