Ministry of Religious Affairs Issues Guidelines for Takbiran in Bali During Nyepi; Loudspeakers Prohibited

Jakarta – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued guidelines addressing the concurrent observance of Hari Raya Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr takbiran on 19 March 2026, permitting Muslims to perform takbiran without the use of loudspeakers.

The guidelines were formulated based on coordination between the Ministry of Religious Affairs, regional authorities, religious leaders, and community figures in Bali.

“From the outset, we have coordinated with regional authorities and religious leaders in Bali. The principle is that if the timings do coincide, both celebrations can still be conducted with mutual respect and understanding,” said Thobib Al Asyhar, Head of Public Relations and Communications at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, in Jakarta on Sunday.

Thobib stated that the guidelines were issued to ensure that both religious celebrations, should their timings overlap, can proceed smoothly with tolerance and mutual respect, whilst maintaining religious harmony in Bali.

The complete guidelines stipulate that, firstly, Muslims are permitted to perform takbiran at the nearest mosque or prayer hall on foot, without the use of loudspeakers, without setting off firecrackers or other noise-making devices, and with minimal lighting, from 18:00 to 21:00 WITA.

Secondly, security and order during takbiran shall be the responsibility of the respective mosque or prayer hall committee, whilst maintaining coordination with local security forces.

Furthermore, traditional village leaders, mosque or prayer hall committees, village security units, and village or sub-district officials are jointly responsible for maintaining security and order during both Nyepi and takbiran activities in their respective areas, through coordinated cooperation with security forces.

“These guidelines apply only to Bali and only if takbiran falls on the same evening as Hari Raya Nyepi. If anyone creates social media content framing these guidelines as applying nationwide, that is incorrect,” he stated.

The guidelines are contained in a Joint Statement signed by the Chairman of Bali’s Inter-faith Harmony Forum (FKUB) Ida Pengelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Bali Province I Gusti Made Sunartha, Bali Regional Police Commander Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, Commander of Military Region 163/Wira Satya Brigadier General Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra, and Bali Governor Wayan Koster.