Ministry of Religion Clarifies Takbiran Guidelines Apply Only to Bali
The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has clarified that guidelines for conducting takbiran coinciding with Nyepi Day apply only to Bali Province. This clarification was issued following the circulation of social media content claiming the regulations would be applied nationally.
The guidelines were prepared to anticipate the possibility that Eid al-Fitr 1447 H celebrations would coincide with Nyepi on 19 March 2026 in Bali. The regulations resulted from coordination between Kemenag, regional government, religious leaders, and local community figures.
Thobib Al Asyhar, Head of the Ministry of Religion’s Public Relations and Communications Bureau, stated that the ministry had engaged in communication with various stakeholders in Bali from the outset to ensure both religious celebrations could take place with full tolerance and mutual respect.
“From the beginning, we have coordinated with the regional government and religious leaders in Bali. The principle is that if the timing coincides, both celebrations can still be conducted with mutual respect and full understanding,” Thobib said in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March.
According to him, the guidelines were formulated to maintain harmony in religious life in Bali should the two major celebrations occur simultaneously.
He also emphasised that the regulations do not apply nationally and are intended exclusively for Bali’s community.
“These guidelines are only for Bali and if takbiran night coincides with Nyepi. If someone creates social media content framing these guidelines as applying to all regions, that is incorrect,” he stated.
Under the guidelines, Muslims in Bali are permitted to conduct takbiran at the nearest mosque or prayer hall on foot. Activities are to be conducted without amplified sound systems, without setting off firecrackers or other loud noises, and using adequate lighting only.
Takbiran activities are also restricted from 6 PM to 9 PM Bali time.
Kemenag also emphasised that security and order during takbiran are the responsibility of mosque or prayer hall officials whilst coordinating with local security apparatus.
Additionally, traditional village officials, mosque or prayer hall officials, traditional security (pecalang), community protection units (linmas), and village or sub-district officials share responsibility for maintaining security and order during both Nyepi and takbiran activities in their respective areas.
The guidelines are contained in a joint statement signed by Ida Pengelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, Chair of Bali’s Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), I Gusti Made Sunartha, Head of Kemenag’s Bali Regional Office, Bali Police Chief Irjen Daniel Adityajaya, Commander of the 163rd Military Command Brigjen Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra, and Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
I Nengah Duija, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at Kemenag, also confirmed that these guidelines are specific to Bali. However, he noted that the guidelines could serve as a reference for other regions with Hindu communities if Eid al-Fitr ever coincides with Nyepi in the future.
“We hope the public understands these guidelines as a form of collective wisdom to maintain harmony and mutual respect between religious communities,” he explained.
Kemenag has also urged the public to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and not be easily influenced by information that could divide religious harmony.
“We call on all religious communities not to be easily provoked. Indonesia has a long tradition of nurturing tolerance. Such adjustments demonstrate our maturity in practising religion and living together,” he concluded.