Religious Affairs Minister: Nyepi, Eid al-Fitr and Easter proximity presents opportunity to strengthen harmony

Jakarta - Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has called upon religious leaders to strengthen messages of peace, brotherhood and harmony, given that several major religious celebrations are occurring in close proximity and even simultaneously this year, namely Nyepi, Eid al-Fitr and Easter.

According to the Minister, the occasion of Nyepi, Eid al-Fitr and Easter can serve as a shared space to reinforce values of brotherhood and harmony amongst Indonesia’s diverse population.

“Religious leaders play an important role in maintaining harmony and peace within society. The occasion of these major religious celebrations must become a strengthening of brotherhood, not the opposite,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar in Jakarta on Thursday.

“If these values are conveyed widely by religious leaders, society will be increasingly encouraged to maintain harmony and national unity,” he added.

“Differences are not something that should lead to division. We need to build unity, to foster harmony to face this situation full of uncertainty,” said President Prabowo Subianto.

In line with this spirit, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a Circular Letter from the Religious Affairs Minister Number 1 of 2026 concerning Guidelines for the Observance of Ramadan Worship, Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijra/2026 CE, and Mosque Services for Travellers.