The Silence of Seclusion on the Island of the Gods
The asphalt roads, usually abuzz with the roar of engines, are now dominated by a flock of birds. They hop, chirp, and seem to converse without fear. No horns, no vehicles. That day, the streets truly belong to them.
The Island of the Gods has once again sunk into seclusion. For 24 hours, the pulse of activity has come to a complete stop. The faithful are observing the Catur Brata Penyepian on the holy Day of Nyepi.
The roads that are usually packed every day are now deserted like a dead city. The silence is not just felt, but envelops every corner.
The island seems to be taking a deep breath after days packed with human mobility. The Bali Mandara Toll Road asphalt appears dry without traces of vehicles. Traffic lights are off. The airport has turned into a building without inhabitants.
In the airport area, the iconic ‘Bali’ sign in front of the domestic arrivals terminal has lost its charm. No more tourists queuing for selfies. The ‘Sugeng Rawuh’ writing seems merely a marker without welcomers.
Pecalang Guard the Nyepi Silence
Amid the quietness, only the pecalang remain on watch. Today, Thursday, 19 March 2026, they serve as guardians of Bali’s silence. Time with family is exchanged for patrol duties, ensuring the Catur Brata Penyepian proceeds flawlessly.
With neatly tied black udeng headbands, vests emblazoned with ‘Pecalang’, and attached sunglasses, the pecalang from Tuban Traditional Village in Badung move to comb predetermined points that have been set far in advance.
Secretary of Tuban Traditional Village, I Gede Agus Suyasa, stated that a total of 113 pecalang have been deployed in a two-shift system, guarding the area non-stop for 24 hours.
‘For our traditional pecalang, we carry out duties for a full 24 hours, and this evening at 6:00 PM, we will be assisted by the official Bakamda,’ said Agus on Thursday.
‘In Tuban, there are 14 posts, each post staffed by six pecalang,’ he added.
This patrol is not merely routine, but an effort to maintain collective discipline. The pecalang ensure that no residents or tourists go out during the implementation of the Catur Brata Penyepian.
‘Up to this morning, there have been no findings because I am confident that the people of Tuban are very disciplined and very capable of following the Nyepi activities,’ Agus stated.