Tarawih Prayer in Bali Continues During Nyepi: Official Guidelines

As is widely known, in 2025, Nyepi Day falls on Saturday, 29th March, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan 1446 Hijri. This unique circumstance has raised specific concerns among Muslims in Bali regarding the observance of Tarawih prayers, which coincide with the Nyepi celebrations observed by Hindus.

On this day, all individuals in Bali are prohibited from working, both online and offline. Consequently, Nyepi Day has been officially recognised as a national holiday and a day of collective leave.

However, non-Hindu residents of Bali, particularly Muslims who observe fasting and engage in Tarawih prayers, typically perform these prayers in congregation at the mosque.

To uphold public order and interfaith harmony, the Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Bali Provincial Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), has issued a joint appeal through a circular entitled “Joint Appeal Regarding the Implementation of the Nyepi Holy Day Series in the Caka Year 1947.”

This appeal outlines the procedures for religious observances by all faith communities in Bali during this period, ensuring both the sanctity of Nyepi and the peaceful observance of Ramadan remain undisturbed.

Summary of the Official Appeal

The following are key points from the joint appeal issued by the Bali Provincial Government and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) regarding the observance of Nyepi and the first Tarawih prayer for Muslims:

1. Conducting Tarawih Prayers:

• Muslims are encouraged to perform Tarawih prayers at the nearest mosque or in their homes.
• Walking to the mosque is advised.
• The use of loudspeakers is strictly prohibited.
• Lighting should be kept to a minimum.

2. Timing of Worship:

• Tarawih prayers are recommended to take place between 20:00 and 21:30 WITA.
• This measure aims to avoid any disruption to the solemnity of Nyepi.

3. Worship for Other Faiths:

• Individuals of other religious beliefs are also requested to conduct their worship at home.
• This measure is intended to preserve a peaceful atmosphere and respect the sacredness of Nyepi.

4. Purpose of the Appeal:

• This initiative has been undertaken to foster tolerance among Bali’s religious communities.
• It seeks to uphold harmony and reinforce the spirit of togetherness in religious life.

“Muslims may perform Tarawih prayers at the nearest mosque, travelling on foot or conducting prayers at home. Loudspeakers must not be used, and lighting should be kept to a minimum,” stated Bali Regional Secretary Dewa Made Indra, as quoted by Antara.

Additionally, as Nyepi coincides with this period, the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kanwil Kemenag) will not conduct a hilal observation to determine 1 Syawal 1446 Hijri. Instead, Bali will adhere to the decision of the isbat session held in Jakarta.

Restrictions on Public Activities During Nyepi

As part of the Nyepi observances, all public activities will be temporarily suspended to ensure the silence and solemnity of this sacred day. The Bali Provincial Government has established the following regulations:

1. Hindus will observe a series of Nyepi rituals, including Malis, Pangrupukan, Sipeng (Catur Bratha Panyepian), and Ngembak Geni, solemnly and reverently.
2. Transport service providers (land, sea, and air) are prohibited from operating from Saturday, 29th March 2025 at 06:00 WITA until Sunday, 30th March 2025 at 06:00 WITA.
3. Radio and television broadcasting stations are not permitted to transmit during Nyepi, from Saturday, 29th March 2025 at 06:00 WITA until Sunday, 30th March 2025.
4. Mobile network providers must disable cellular data, and all television service providers must cease broadcasting from Saturday, 29th March 2025 at 06:00 WITA until Sunday, 30th March 2025 at 06:00 WITA.
5. The public is prohibited from leaving their homes, igniting fireworks, using loudspeakers, making noise, or employing lighting that may disturb the sanctity of Nyepi and public order.
6. Hotels, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions in Bali must refrain from using Nyepi as a branding opportunity for commercial promotions.
7. Traditional village authorities (Prajuru Desa Adat), security personnel (Pecalang, BANKAMDA), and village or sub-district officials are responsible for ensuring compliance with Nyepi regulations within their respective areas, in coordination with relevant security agencies.
8. As Nyepi coincides with Ramadan 1446 Hijri:
   • Muslims must perform Tarawih prayers at the nearest mosque, walk to the venue, or pray at home, without the use of loudspeakers and with minimal lighting. Prayers should be conducted between 20:00 and 21:30 WITA.
   • Adherents of other religions should conduct their worship at home.
9. Religious councils, social religious institutions, and relevant authorities are tasked with disseminating this appeal to all religious communities in Bali.
10. All members of the public must comply with this joint appeal.

By adhering to these guidelines, the Bali Provincial Government hopes to ensure a peaceful and harmonious observance of both Nyepi and Ramadan, reinforcing the values of mutual respect and unity within the island’s diverse religious community.

Cover: Photo by Thirdman/Pexels

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