North Lombok Limits Loudspeaker Use During Ramadan After Foreign Woman's Outburst

The incident involving Miranda Lee Pearson, a New Zealand national, who caused a disturbance at a mosque in Gili Trawangan while carrying a machete, has led to stricter regulations regarding the use of loudspeakers during Ramadan. The North Lombok Regency government has limited the use of outdoor loudspeakers in mosques to 11 pm local time.

The policy was implemented after Miranda complained about the noise from the residents’ prayer sessions and went to the mosque carrying a machete.

The Head of the North Lombok Tourism Office, Dende Dewi Tresni Budiastuti, stated that the incident serves as a lesson for both the local community and tourists.

“This is not only a lesson for the local community, but also for the visitors who come to Gili Trawangan,” said Dende, speaking in Tanjung, North Lombok, on Wednesday afternoon (February 25, 2026).

Tourists are Asked to Respect Culture

Dende emphasised that tourists visiting Gili Trawangan must understand the culture and customs of the local community, especially since the area is predominantly inhabited by Muslims who are observing Ramadan.

“Of course, when visiting a destination, tourists should have learned about the place, its culture, its religion, and the customs of the local people,” she said.

She believes that Miranda was aware of the situation.

“She must have known that during this time, Islam is in the atmosphere of Ramadan,” she said.

Outdoor Speakers Limited

To prevent similar incidents, the North Lombok Regency government, through the Regent of North Lombok, has regulated the use of loudspeakers during Ramadan 1447 Hijri.

The regulation applies throughout the region, including Gili Trawangan.

“The Regent has issued this regulation. It also applies in Gili Trawangan and all of the Gilis, so that it is in accordance with the operating hours,” she said.

Dende explained that outdoor loudspeakers can only be used until 11 pm. After that, the mosque administrators must use indoor loudspeakers.

“Indoor loudspeakers can be used until the pre-dawn meal from 11 pm. Let’s all encourage tourists and the local community to understand this,” she said.

Regarding reports that Miranda’s parents were previously expelled from Gili Trawangan several years ago, Dende said she has not yet investigated this information. She stated that Miranda came on vacation alone.

“Regarding her parents, I don’t know yet. What I know is that this woman came to travel alone. And it turned out that when checked with immigration officials, her stay permit had also expired,” she said.

Deported for Overstaying

Previously, the East Lombok Immigration Office, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), deported Miranda Lee Pearson. The New Zealand national caused a disturbance at a mosque in Gili Trawangan during a prayer session because she was disturbed by the use of loudspeakers.

The Head of the Class II Non-TPI East Lombok Immigration Office, Iqbal Rifai, said that Miranda was deported because her stay permit had expired.

“From the examination, it was found that she had been staying in Indonesia longer than the permitted period,” said Iqbal Rifai on Wednesday (February 25).