JAKARTA: The government has made assurances that takbiran (eve of Idul Fitri celebrations), often marked by chants of takbir (praise to God), can take place in Bali on the evening of March 19 even as the Hindu-majority island observe Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence.
Several adjustments will be made to ensure mutual respect between the religious communities.
Nyepi, which marks the New Year in the Balinese Hindu calendar, is observed with 24 hours of silence.
During this time, Hindus reflect, meditate and abstain from most activities, including travel and entertainment, while keeping lights off across the island.
According to the latest circular from Bali Governor Wayan Koster, Nyepi will begin at 6am on March 19 and end at 6am on March 20, local time.
Meanwhile for Muslims, takbiran is typically held with prayers and chants of “Allah is great". The festivities are often accompanied by the crackle of fireworks and flares, as celebrants parade atop pickup trucks and beat drums to enliven the night.
The government has yet to officially determine the date of Idul Fitri, pending the isbat (moon-sighting meet) on March 19.
However, Muhammadiyah, the second-largest Islamic organisation in the country, has set this year’s Idul Fitri for March 20.
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has said the government reached an agreement with local authorities and community leaders in Bali to ensure that both observances could proceed smoothly.
“Nyepi will go ahead as scheduled, and takbiran can still be held, but without loudspeakers and limited to 6pm to 9pm,” the minister said, urging Muslims to keep celebrations quiet in respect of their Hindu neighbours.
This is in line with the Bali governor’s circular, which further stipulates that “the safety and order of takbiran celebrations are the responsibility of each mosque management, while coordinating with local security authorities”.
Separately, Mahrusun Hadyono, chairman of the Bali Ulema Council, advised Muslims taking part in takbiran to walk rather than use vehicles and to refrain from setting off firecrackers during the Day of Silence on the island.
Regarding the differences in Idul Fitri dates, Nasaruddin, affiliated with the country's largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, said that such variations are common in Indonesia's religious life.
He also underlined that the government will continue efforts to maintain tolerance and harmony among religious communities, especially when major religious holidays fall close together.
Indonesia officially recognises six religions, namely Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, although many across the archipelago of over 17,000 islands and 1,300 ethnic groups also adhere to indigenous beliefs. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
