Nyepi clashes: Takbiran in Bali held without loudspeakers

The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, said that takbiran will be held without the use of a sound system or loudspeakers as it coincides with Nyepi Day in Bali on 19 March 2026. ‘Because in some places, the 19th is Nyepi Day; Nyepi prohibits noisy sounds, no vehicles, etc. Yet on that night our friends will be performing takbir,’ Nasaruddin said during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (4 March). He said his ministry has coordinated with regional governments and community leaders in Bali to arrange takbiran so as to respect Nyepi. Under the agreement, Nyepi would proceed according to its rules, while takbiran could still take place with restrictions on the use of loudspeakers. The restrictions apply from 18:00 to 21:00 WITA, with no loudspeakers, so the two religious celebrations can run in tandem. ‘Takbir does not clash with Nyepi; the condition is that Nyepi continues, but takbir can proceed without a sound system and with a time limit from 18:00 to 21:00 (WITA),’ he said. Nasaruddin also noted that differences in the timing of Idul Fitri are common across Indonesia and the date will be determined after the Isbat session. ‘And the differences in the dates for Eid al-Fitr are something we accept as normal in Indonesia. We will see when the Isbat session determines precisely when Eid al-Fitr will come,’ he said. In addition to this matter, Nasaruddin reported to President Prabowo on preparations for the Nuzulul Quran commemoration to be held at the State Palace, as well as scheduling the payment of zakat for the President and officials, also planned at the State Palace.