Surabaya Residents Urged to Conduct Takbiran Without Loudspeakers Near Temples

Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has asked residents conducting takbiran in areas near temples or Hindu places of worship in Surabaya to adjust by not using loudspeakers. Eri stated that this is to ensure that the citizens of the City of Heroes can maintain tolerance and mutual respect among religious communities, given that the Nyepi Day 2026 and Idulfitri 1446 Hijriah holidays will occur close together. “Therefore, I also hope that when there is takbir, at certain points where there are Surabaya residents of Hindu faith, I kindly request, like in Kenjeran, that those conducting takbir do not go around near the temples,” Eri said on Wednesday (19/3). Furthermore, Eri asked mosque or musala managers whose locations are near temples not to use external loudspeakers when proclaiming takbir. This is intended to avoid disturbing the silence that is a key part of Nyepi worship. “If it is near a temple, please do not use loudspeakers (external). Just use them inside, not coming out from the mosque. Because we respect our Hindu brothers and sisters who are indeed commemorating Nyepi Day,” he emphasised. Eri also invited religious leaders and community figures at the district and village levels to actively monitor and socialise this appeal for mutual comfort during major religious days. “Let us together maintain harmony and peace in Surabaya City,” he said. Several Muslim communities will hold takbiran starting Thursday (19/3) night. This is because several organisations have set Idulfitri 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah on Friday (20/3).