Silent Friday in Labuan Bajo on 3 April 2026, Activities Restricted
The observance of Good Friday for the Christian community in Labuan Bajo and other areas in West Manggarai, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), on 3 April 2026, will be conducted in a silent atmosphere or Silent Friday (Silentium Magnum). Community activities will be restricted during this Silent Friday.
West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi explained that the implementation of Silent Friday aims to reduce pollution and build collective awareness among the community in preserving the environment.
“We start from small things for a better future. This is for our future, for our children and grandchildren. Let us start from this small thing,” said Edi Endi in his statement on Wednesday (18/3/2026).
The Silent Friday will take place for a full day with restrictions on vehicle activities at agreed times, namely from 06.00 to 11.00 WITA and continued from 14.00 to 18.00 WITA.
During that period, the community is urged not to use motorised vehicles, to reduce activities that cause noise, and to prioritise walking to create a calm atmosphere.
Edi Endi explained that the implementation of Silent Friday still considers Friday prayers for Muslims. The rest time (12.00-14.00 WITA) has been adjusted for Friday prayers. The subsequent break from 15.00 to 17.00 WITA can be used for Good Friday worship by Christians in several churches.
“The main spirit of this programme is to reduce vehicle use, including by walking to places of worship,” said Edi Endi.
Edi Endi emphasised that the Silent Friday Programme is not a unilateral instruction, but a collective agreement approved by various stakeholders, namely the West Manggarai Regency Government, TNI, Police, prosecutor’s office, judicial institutions, religious figures, and the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB).
“All meeting participants expressed full support for the implementation of this programme as a manifestation of collective commitment to preserving the environment,” said Edi Endi.
Edi Endi invited the entire community to support the Silent Friday programme as a form of shared responsibility for environmental sustainability.
“This programme is expected to give nature time to rest from vehicle activities, create a calmer and more orderly atmosphere, build collective awareness in preserving the environment, and become an example for other regions in environmental conservation efforts,” explained Edi Endi.