Upholding Difference, Pecalang Pride in Securing Worship at Mosque

Dusk descends over the area around Masjid At Taqwa Polda Bali in Denpasar on Saturday, 14 March 2026. Worshippers arrive ahead of iftar time. Motorcycles are parked neatly in the courtyard, while others walk slowly towards the mosque entrance.

Courtyard lights shine brightly. The sound of vehicles from the main road sounds faintly, not disturbing the atmosphere as the Maghrib call to prayer begins to echo.

Among the worshippers who arrive, a number of men wearing udeng (traditional Balinese headgear), poleng cloth, and traditional Balinese sashes are visible. They stand at various corners of the courtyard, observing the situation.

They are pecalang.

That evening, they are not guarding a temple or conducting traditional ceremonies. They are helping maintain order for Muslim worshippers coming to pray at the mosque.

Several pecalang appear to be communicating briefly. Others are directing vehicles entering and leaving the parking area.

For the Balinese community, the presence of pecalang at mosques is not new. For years, they have assisted with security at Muslim worship activities, especially during Ramadan until before Eid al-Fitr.

I Dewa Gede Rai Suartono, the head of Pecalang Banjar Pagan Kaja I, says this duty is far more than routine.

“I am very proud. I am very happy to be given this responsibility, to be given the task every year to guard the tarawih prayers and other worship activities at this mosque,” he said when met during a break.

For him, ensuring the safety of worshippers is not merely a duty as a pecalang.

“Not because we receive compensation, no. This is a form of religious tolerance that we must practice. The Unitary Republic of Indonesia is a non-negotiable value; we must live in harmony with one another,” he said.

The presence of pecalang at Masjid At Taqwa Polda Bali has been ongoing for approximately one decade. Each year, the mosque committee sends a request for security assistance a few days before Ramadan begins.

“Every year, security by pecalang at this mosque has indeed been running for roughly 10 years. Three days before Ramadan, the committee writes to us asking for help with security,” he explained.

After receiving the request, the pecalang prepare personnel to stand guard, especially during tarawih prayers and other worship activities. Beyond maintaining order, they also ensure the safety of vehicles and belongings of worshippers.

According to Rai, the response from worshippers has been positive.

“The response from worshippers coming to pray at the mosque has been very good and very respectful,” he said.

This year, the Ramadan situation in Bali has particular dynamics because Hari Raya Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence) is expected to fall close to Eid al-Fitr.

Rai notes that similar conditions have occurred before.

“The phenomenon of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr falling close together has happened several times, such as last year and three years ago,” he said.

He also recalls the moment when takbir night (the night before Eid) coincided with Nyepi.

“But in Bali, particularly at Masjid At Taqwa here, Nyepi, like last year, coincided with takbir night. The next day was Eid al-Fitr. Prayer still took place, but without loudspeakers,” he said.

In such situations, pecalang continue to play their role.

“As pecalang, we will certainly make way if Eid prayers happen to coincide with Nyepi. We arrange it at the edges, not in the middle. The key is to keep things running smoothly whilst honouring the values of Nyepi itself,” he said.

He emphasised that his group will follow the rules set by the government if both holidays fall close together.

“Nyepi comes once a year, and it has been that way since ancient times. But because this may coincide, we simply follow the regulations. We follow the government’s guidelines,” he said.

He also reminded the community not to be easily provoked by issues that could undermine harmony.

“My hope on this very sacred holiday, whether it is Eid al-Fitr or Hari Raya Nyepi, is that hopefully there will be no undesirable incidents. We want peace and safety,” he said.

“Do not be provoked by external influences. Because the reality that has existed in Bali all along is that all religious communities live side by side harmoniously,” he stressed.

The night grows late. Worshippers gradually depart.

In the mosque courtyard, pecalang remain on guard. They direct vehicles leaving one by one, signalling drivers to move slowly.

The outflow remains orderly until the courtyard empties once more.