Will Internet in Bali Go Down During Nyepi on 19 March 2026? Full Explanation
During Bali’s Nyepi celebration, complete silence and cessation of activities will occur for a full 24 hours. This naturally raises the question of whether internet services in Bali will also be suspended during this period.
This question arises because Bali is a world-renowned tourism destination and an area heavily dependent on digital services. Remote workers, local and international tourists, and business operators all rely significantly on internet connectivity for their daily activities.
Nyepi is the Hindu New Year (Saka calendar) celebration, observed with silence, self-reflection, and a 24-hour fast. The purpose is to purify oneself (Bhuana Alit) and the universe (Bhuana Agung).
The sacred day of Nyepi in the year 1948 of the Saka calendar falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The celebration will begin on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 05:59 Western Indonesian Time (WITA) and end on Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA.
During Nyepi, Hindu practitioners observe Catur Brata Penyepian, or four main prohibitions. These restrictions include refraining from work, travel, lighting fires excessively, and avoiding entertainment.
So will the internet in Bali be completely shut down during Nyepi? The answer is no, but it will be restricted.
This refers to Circular Letter No. 2 of 2026 from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs regarding recommendations for implementing the joint appeal for observing the sacred Nyepi celebrations in Bali Province in 2026.
The circular aims to advise telecommunications service providers offering mobile data and internet services to temporarily cease access during Nyepi. This also applies to Internet protocol television (IPTV) and local broadcasting services.
However, there is no need for concern, as WiFi-based internet services will remain active as usual without any reduction in internet speed. Additionally, Gede Pramana, Head of the Communication, Information Technology and Statistics Service for Bali Province, confirmed that telephone and SMS services will continue to be available.
This policy also aims to ensure that critical public services continue to operate properly, including hospitals, police, fire departments, and other emergency service units.