MUI Urges Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Euphoria Not to Disrupt Nyepi Worship

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy General Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, has urged all Muslims in Indonesia, especially those living near Hindu communities, not to let Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr become disturbances to Nyepi worship.

“We must provide equal space for celebrating and performing worship. For our brothers and sisters observing Nyepi, we Muslims must not disturb them,” he said when met in Jakarta on Thursday.

The MUI Deputy Chairman stressed that Indonesia is a Pancasila state, with the first principle of “Belief in the One and Only God”, which guarantees all faiths the right to practise their respective religious laws.

He urged Muslims, particularly those in Bali and planning to perform takbir tonight, not to do so with excessive loudspeakers.

“This can be done through dialogue, arranged properly, so that worship can be carried out comfortably and maximally, in a peaceful and prosperous Indonesia,” stated Cholil Nafis.

Previously, the Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Nasaruddin Umar, invited all elements of the nation to make the Holy Day of Nyepi for the Saka New Year 1948 a momentum to strengthen brotherhood and nurture harmony amid diversity.

Menag said this year’s Nyepi celebration feels special, as it takes place in the holy month of Ramadan and is close to Eid al-Fitr 1447 H.

He viewed the meeting of these two religious moments as a strong symbol of cross-faith togetherness.

“This is not merely a coincidence, but a reminder that we are in one spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family,” said Nasaruddin Umar.