Koster Says Only 4 Mosques Confirmed for Takbir Ceremony on Nyepi Eve
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has stated that only a small number of mosques in Bali are confirmed to conduct Eid al-Fitr prayers on 20 March 2026, with takbir ceremonies on the evening of 19 March coinciding with Nyepi. All confirmed mosques are Muhammadiyah institutions.
“It is estimated that only a few will perform Eid al-Fitr on the 20th with takbir on the 19th. Particularly among our Muslim brothers and sisters from Muhammadiyah. So when we counted yesterday, there were only four mosques, and the number of participants is also small,” Koster said whilst attending the Operasi Ketupat Agung 2026 roll call at the Brimob headquarters of the Bali Regional Police on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
He explained that the provincial government is still awaiting an official decision from the central government regarding the determination of Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, the possibility of differing implementation times remains open.
“Eid al-Fitr may be observed on the 20th. This is not yet certain because there has been no decision from the government. So it is possible that takbir on the 19th could coincide with Nyepi,” he said.
To anticipate this situation, the local government together with the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) and religious councils have held meetings to agree on the mechanism for conducting the takbir ceremony.
Koster explained that if Muslim worshippers observe Eid al-Fitr on 20 March, then the takbir activity on 19 March coinciding with Nyepi will adjust to the joint announcement that has been agreed upon.
Under the agreement, takbir ceremonies may take place between 18:00 and 21:00 Bali time with several conditions.
“We will encourage the takbir ceremony to be held in homes as much as possible. If not at home and they must go to a mosque, then in accordance with the joint announcement it should be at the nearest mosque by walking,” he explained.
Additionally, takbir ceremonies have been requested not to use loudspeakers excessively, not to use excessive or glaring lighting, and not to organise processions.
According to Koster, this policy was adopted to maintain balance between Muslim worship and respect for the Nyepi celebration observed by Hindu communities in Bali.
As the regional leader, he stressed that the government has a responsibility to facilitate all religious communities to perform their worship properly.
“As governor, my duty is to facilitate so that all religious communities can celebrate Eid al-Fitr and especially for our Hindu brothers and sisters the celebration of Nyepi in an orderly and disciplined manner,” he said.
Koster also emphasised the importance of maintaining harmonious relations between religious communities in Bali. He noted that similar situations have occurred before and have always been resolved well through the spirit of tolerance.
“This is not the first time this has happened; it has also occurred several years before and has never caused any problems. Because here in Bali we are accustomed to respecting one another and practising tolerance,” said Koster.