Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar Prepares 6,859 Traveller-Friendly Mosque Posts and Arranges Nyepi-Eid al-Fitr Tolerance for 2026
Indonesia’s Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar has outlined several strategic measures by the Ministry of Religion to facilitate the smooth flow of mudik (homecoming migration) whilst ensuring that Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr celebrations proceed in an orderly and tolerant manner.
One key initiative is the Traveller-Friendly Mosque programme. Under this programme, mosques along various migration routes will function as service centres for travellers requiring rest areas and worship facilities.
“Nationally, 6,859 Traveller-Friendly Mosque posts have been established across various migration routes,” said Menag in Jakarta on Monday (2 March).
Services provided include 24-hour mosque access, security for worship areas and car parks, toilet sanitation, and ablution water availability. Additionally, mosques will provide device charging facilities, comfortable prayer spaces, rest areas, drinking water and light refreshments, and information centres for travellers.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Religion has launched the Indonesian Mosque Expedition Programme (EMI) 2026 to strengthen mosques’ role as public service centres. This programme aims to present mosques as wayfarers’ rest houses whilst demonstrating humanistic and inclusive service practices during the homecoming and return journey periods.
Beyond migration planning, Menag has also addressed readiness for Bali’s Nyepi celebration, falling on 19 March 2026. He explained that should Eid al-Fitr occur on 20 March, takbiran celebrations in Bali will remain permitted with certain restrictions.
“If Eid al-Fitr falls on 20 March, takbiran in Bali will remain permitted, but conducted in limited fashion, without loudspeakers, without vehicle processions, and with minimal lighting,” he explained.
This policy, the minister continued, represents interfaith tolerance in Bali that has been mutually agreed upon. However, should Eid al-Fitr fall on 21 March 2026, both Nyepi and takbiran celebrations can proceed normally according to their respective timings.
He also stressed the importance of cross-sector coordination to ensure that services to communities during the migration period and religious celebrations run safely and in an orderly manner.
“The state must ensure that believers can conduct worship whilst undertaking homecoming journeys safely and humanely, with mosques forming an important part of this public service,” he concluded.