Bali to Suspend Telecom and Broadcasting Services for Nyepi Day

TheIndonesia.co - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has confirmed it will honor the request from the Bali Provincial Government to temporarily halt telecommunications and broadcasting services on the island during Nyepi (Silence) Day, set for March 29.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, according to Antara News Agency announced on Thursday, "For Nyepi Day, we will send a letter to all mobile operators and broadcasting providers, requesting them to cease their services for one day."

The ministry's Director General of Digital Infrastructure, Wayan Toni Supriyanto, further clarified that the suspension would take place from March 29 to March 30. "On Nyepi Day, all internet and broadcasting services will be temporarily shut down, from 6 a.m. on March 29 until 6 a.m. the following day," Supriyanto explained.

This temporary suspension aims to support the religious observances of Hindu practitioners in Bali, who celebrate Nyepi with strict spiritual practices. On Nyepi Day, devotees adhere to Catur Brata Penyepian, which includes four restrictions: Amati Geni (no fire), Amati Karya (no work), Amati Lelungan (no travel), and Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment), observed for 24 hours.

As preparations for Nyepi Day ramp up, religious ceremonies including taur kesanga, pengerupukan, and the ogoh-ogoh parades will take place on March 28 across various districts and cities in Bali.

In addition, Hafid shared that the ministry is also focused on maintaining smooth network connectivity during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday. "The government, together with mobile operators, has agreed to offer discounted packages of up to 50 percent, ensuring service quality is not compromised," Hafid stated.