Religious Affairs Minister Conveys Nyepi Day Greetings, Highlights Proximity to Eid al-Fitr as No Coincidence

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, representing the government, extended greetings for Nyepi Day and the Saka New Year 1948 to all Hindus in Indonesia. He invited the faithful to express gratitude for the opportunity to solemnly observe the sacred series of Nyepi rituals. “On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as well as personally, I convey my greetings for the Sacred Nyepi Day and the Saka New Year 1948,” stated Nasaruddin in a video statement on the Official YouTube Channel of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Nasaruddin remarked that this year’s Nyepi celebration is particularly special and meaningful due to its proximity to Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. “The convergence of these two major holidays is not merely coincidental, but a symbol of God’s grandeur that brings us together in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—one earth, one family,” he said. The close observance of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr serves as a reminder that all believers form one large family despite differences in religion, ethnicity, and background. Differences among the faithful are not dividers but enrichments that strengthen brotherhood. In this Nyepi celebration, there are many examples worth emulating and learning from. “Just as the essence of Nyepi is embodied in the Catur Brata Penyepian, which we emulate through Amati Geni. Not only do we extinguish fire, electricity, and transportation, but also the inner fire—anger, egoism, and so forth—to realise peace within the great family of the nation,” said Nasaruddin. “Through Amati Lelungan, we learn to be silent and refrain from work, giving space for the earth to breathe and restore its balance without noise, without the hustle and bustle,” Nasaruddin continued. Additionally, the faithful are encouraged to forgo worldly entertainments to attain clarity of heart and strengthen family bonds, in line with Nyepi’s meaning as a pause for the universe. Nasaruddin reminded that as long as humans honour and respect nature, goodness will be reciprocated by nature. “Once again, happy Sacred Nyepi Day and Saka New Year 1948. May Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa continually bestow peace, health, and prosperity upon us all,” Nasaruddin concluded.