Nyepi and Takbiran Coinciding: PHDI's Statement

The Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI) has expressed appreciation for Muslim civil organisations such as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and Muhammadiyah, which have issued circulars regarding the implementation of the evening takbiran coinciding with the sacred day of Nyepi on 19 March 2026.

PHDI Chairman I Nyoman Kenak deemed this step important for maintaining religious harmony between different faith communities in Bali. He noted that the circulars from Muslim organisations had already urged their followers to perform takbiran in their respective homes.

This statement was made by Kenak during a coordination meeting on security and order ahead of the Nyepi Festival and Eid al-Fitr, held with the Bali Provincial Parliament at the Parliament Office on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

“Thank you to our Muslim colleagues for the extraordinary appreciation we express to MUI, Muhammadiyah, and NU for their communication and the issuance of these circulars,” said Kenak.

According to Kenak, the appeal means that PHDI is not concerned even if the isbat (moon sighting) session at the Ministry of Religious Affairs subsequently determines that Eid al-Fitr falls on 19 March.

Kenak also invited all religious communities to maintain harmony in interfaith relations in Bali.

“In Bali, they will perform takbiran in their respective homes, and this comes from them, not from us. Similarly, if we Hindus have odalan (temple festivals) at home, we perform ngayah (communal service) from our homes,” he said.

In the meeting, all forum participants in principle agreed with the PHDI’s statement. However, several parties also noted concerns about a joint appeal from the Forum for Interfaith Harmony (FKUB), which was deemed to have triggered debate on social media.

PHDI itself was not involved in drafting the joint appeal because it had not been part of the FKUB Bali from the outset. Kenak affirmed that if the joint appeal were to remain unchanged, then each religious council would be asked to issue circulars to its congregants.

“If that (joint appeal) remains unchanged, then let us each issue our own circulars. I am willing to accept this for the common good,” he concluded.