Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026 Coincide; National Police Prepare Enhanced Security in Bali
Jakarta — The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is anticipating potential social conflict and vehicular congestion as the celebrations of Nyepi (the Balinese Hindu New Year) and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri in 2026 fall within days of each other.
Lieutenant General Karyoto, Chief of the Police Security Maintenance Agency (Kabaharkam), stated that this situation warrants special attention for security measures, particularly in Bali province, where Nyepi will be observed on 19 March 2026, whilst Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on 21 March 2026.
“The celebrations of major religious holidays occurring in close proximity to each other requires us to anticipate potential social conflict, congestion, and vehicular traffic jams as the mudik (homecoming) exodus coincides with the celebration of Nyepi,” Karyoto said during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives on Wednesday (11 March).
The police have coordinated a range of anticipatory measures involving local government and interfaith leaders. One key step has been the issuance of a joint circular regarding the observance of Nyepi for the year Saka 1948, which coincides with the eve of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri in Bali province. The circular was signed by the Chair of the Bali Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) and the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bali, and acknowledged by the Bali Regional Police Chief, the Regional Military Commander, and the Bali Governor.
The takbiran activities preceding Eid al-Fitr in Bali have been requested to be conducted at the nearest mosques or prayer rooms, with participants walking rather than parading in vehicles, and without firecrackers or excessive amplified sound. Takbiran activities have been restricted to between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time (Wita).
“The emphasis in this appeal is to prioritise religious tolerance and moderation, synergy between the armed forces, police, local authorities, traditional village councils, and religious leaders, and to anticipate potential disruptions to the public,” Karyoto stated.
Additionally, on 18 March 2026, the Balinese community will perform the Tawur Kesanga ceremony, followed by various prayer processions at several road junctions. This will also include the traditional ogoh-ogoh parade, in which large effigies are typically positioned along roadsides.
To prevent traffic disruption, police have coordinated with village officials and community leaders regarding the placement of ogoh-ogoh, particularly along major routes leading to Gilimanuk Port and Padangbai Port, which are key mudik routes.