Simultaneous Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr Celebrations: Koster Urges Harmony and Religious Tolerance in Bali
The Bali Provincial Government has taken anticipatory measures to ensure that two major religious celebrations occurring close together this year can take place peacefully and with full respect for religious observance. Through coordination across religious councils, the regional government aims to ensure that the community experiences a sacred atmosphere whilst maintaining the harmony and religious concord that has long been Bali’s strength.
To ensure this outcome, Bali Governor Wayan Koster held a coordination meeting with all Balinese religious councils to discuss the implementation of Nyepi Day, which falls close to Eid al-Fitr this year. The meeting, organised by the Bali Provincial Government’s Department for the Advancement of Indigenous Communities through the Inter-Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), was chaired directly by Governor Koster.
The meeting was attended by representatives from religious councils and related stakeholders to ensure that both major religious celebrations proceed in an orderly and harmonious manner. Following the meeting, Governor Koster stated that the main discussion was how the celebration of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr could take place reverently, safely, and whilst maintaining public comfort.
“How the celebration of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr can proceed reverently, comfortably, safely and in a conducive manner. All councils and believers have agreed on this,” said Koster.
He emphasised that all parties agreed to maintain tolerance and harmony amongst the different faiths in Bali. “The agreement is that everything should proceed well, with mutual respect and the preservation of tolerance, concord and harmony amongst believers,” he stressed.
Regarding confirmation of the date for Eid al-Fitr, Koster stated that the regional government is still awaiting the official decision from the central government through the Isbat session. “The official decision will come through the Isbat session. So let us wait for that; do not ask yet as there is no decision,” he said.
He also ensured that the joint appeal regarding the celebration of Nyepi and the takbir chanting, previously agreed upon, would remain in effect and would not be changed.
With such coordination, it is hoped that the celebration of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr in Bali can proceed smoothly with a spirit of mutual respect amongst believers of different faiths.
During the meeting, a reassuring perspective was also presented by Abdul Aziz, Chair of the Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Board (PWNU) in Bali. He stressed that the public need not debate the circulating reports regarding the overlap of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr.
According to him, such a situation is not new for Bali’s community and has consistently proceeded well in an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst believers of different faiths. He believes that the harmony established in Bali should continue to be protected, particularly amid the prevalence of social media discussions that often exaggerate the issue.
Abdul Aziz also called on Muslims to act wisely and to adjust their religious observances to the existing conditions. For instance, during the observance of tarawih prayers or takbir chanting, the community can conduct them simply and in limited fashion, or even at home for those living far from mosques. The proactive stance of religious leaders is deemed important so that the community remains calm and does not create matters that could disturb harmony.
He conveyed that religious activities in Bali have always proceeded with good coordination with the surrounding environment. Therefore, Abdul Aziz is confident that Bali’s community already possesses the maturity to maintain tolerance, so that the celebration of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr can proceed safely, peacefully, and with continued mutual respect.