BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR –  Ahead of the Nyepi Day of Silence marking the Saka New Year 1948, which will fall on March 19, 2026, a young Muslim leader and Chairman of the Bali Provincial Board of the Crescent Star Party ( DPW PBB), Muhamad Shalahuddin Jamil, has called on people in Bali to continue strengthening mutual respect and tolerance among religious communities.

Shalahuddin, widely known as Bro Shalah, expressed hope that communities, particularly Muslims living on the Island of the Gods, will respect the sanctity of Nyepi in order to maintain the harmony that has long been preserved in Bali.

According to him, mutual respect is even more important this year as Nyepi coincides with the holy month of Ramadan and is close to the preparations for Eid al-Fitr.

“We invite all communities, especially Muslims in Bali, to respect Nyepi Day in 2026. Let us maintain tolerance and harmony in the midst of diversity, both during Nyepi and throughout the worship activities in the holy month of Ramadan until Eid,” Shalahuddin said when contacted on Tuesday (March 10, 2026).

He added that Nyepi is not only a sacred day for Hindus but can also serve as a moment of reflection for all members of society regardless of religious background.

The silence observed during Nyepi, he explained, can be used as a time for contemplation, self-evaluation, and improving one’s attitude in daily life.

“Nyepi can be a moment of reflection for all religious communities in Bali. In that silence we can pause from our routines, contemplate, evaluate ourselves, and strive to become better individuals who benefit others,” he said. He also noted that Muslims are currently awaiting the government’s isbat session by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to determine the date of 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri, which marks Eid al-Fitr.

Through his message, Bro Shalah also reminded travelers who plan to return to their hometowns for the holiday to remain cautious and obey traffic regulations. He also encouraged Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Bali to help maintain security and peace on the island so that all communities can carry out their respective religious observances solemnly and harmoniously.

Meanwhile, the Bali Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB Bali) has also issued a joint appeal regarding the takbiran night, which will coincide with Nyepi in 2026.

FKUB Bali Chairman Ida Pengelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet said that takbiran activities are still permitted but must follow several guidelines in order to respect the sanctity of Nyepi.

He explained that Muslims in Bali may perform takbiran at nearby mosques or prayer rooms by walking, without using loudspeakers, and without creating noise. The use of firecrackers or other sound-producing objects that could disturb the silence of Nyepi is also prohibited.

The takbiran is also encouraged to be held simply, with limited lighting and within a restricted time at night. Mosque administrators, security officers, pecalang (traditional security guards), and village officials are expected to coordinate to ensure safety and order during the activities.

The appeal was the result of a joint agreement between FKUB Bali, the regional government, religious leaders, and security authorities to ensure that both religious celebrations can take place solemnly while maintaining harmony among Bali’s diverse communities.