West Lombok Regency Bans Firecrackers During Takbiran Eve to Respect Nyepi Observance

The West Lombok Regency Government (Pemkab) has prohibited residents from setting off firecrackers during the Takbiran evening in 2026 to honour Hindu adherents observing Nyepi.

The policy is outlined in Circular Letter No. 000.1.10/3/SATPOL-PP/II/2026. Head of the Civil Police Unit (Kasat Pol PP) of West Lombok, I Ketut Rauh, stated that the circular has been communicated to local police to jointly enforce the ban.

“We have already prohibited fireworks from the outset, and we have also advised the police during the Forkopimda meeting to eliminate firecrackers from the source,” he said on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

According to Rauh, firecracker usage during this year’s Ramadan has been less widespread compared to previous years. He believes this trend will continue during the Takbiran evening.

“It is not as prevalent as it has been previously. Usually there are complaints, but now there are none,” he claimed.

Rauh stated that he has prepared personnel to conduct patrols during Nyepi on 19 March. “During Nyepi, we will patrol. For the ogoh-ogoh procession, we have designated 10 locations for security checkpoints,” he added.

Despite the firecracker ban, Rauh stated that the Takbiran procession will proceed on the Eid al-Fitr evening in 2026. He said 40 personnel have been assigned to provide security during the Takbiran evening.

“We have made arrangements whereby the personnel conducting security at the Takbiran procession will be drawn from our Muslim colleagues. Hindu colleagues will take over around 6 a.m. on Eid al-Fitr, so Muslim colleagues can return home to perform the Eid prayer,” he explained.