MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BALI – As the takbiran night marking the end of Ramadan coincides with the Hindu Day of Silence (Nyepi), leaders of Muhammadiyah in Bali have called on residents to uphold tolerance and maintain public order.
Husnul Fahmi, Chairperson of the Bali Provincial Board of Muhammadiyah, issued a joint appeal regarding the observance of takbiran for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri. This year, the takbiran night coincides with Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence in the Saka year 1948, which falls on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
“After holding several meetings with the Religious Harmony Forum of Bali Province, we agreed on a joint appeal. Muslims, particularly Muhammadiyah members, are still allowed to perform the takbir. However, several conditions must be observed,” Fahmi said in an interview on Saturday (3/14).
He explained that Muslims are encouraged to walk to the nearest mosque or prayer hall for the takbir recitation. However, the use of loudspeakers and bright lighting should be avoided to respect the solemnity of Nyepi.
Joint Appeal for Respectful Observance
The guidelines are outlined in points seven and eight of a circular issued by the Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama Bali.
Because Nyepi coincides with the takbiran night of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, the circular states that Muslims may perform takbiran at nearby mosques or prayer halls by walking to the location. The activity must not use loudspeakers or fireworks, and lighting should remain minimal.
In addition, the takbiran is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time.
Responsibility for maintaining order during the takbiran will rest with local mosque administrators. Nevertheless, they must coordinate with security authorities.
Traditional village officials, mosque administrators, local security units, and community guards are also expected to work together. Through coordination with local authorities, they will help ensure that both Nyepi observances and takbiran activities proceed safely.
Adjustments to Eid Prayer Schedule
Preparations for the Eid prayer will also involve several adjustments.
According to Fahmi, the Eid al-Fitr prayer in Bali will begin slightly later than usual. While it typically starts around 6:00 a.m., this year it will begin at 6:30 a.m.
Local authorities have also approved the use of a public field in front of the office of the Government of Bali Province as the venue for the prayer.
Preparations for the prayer will take place one day before Nyepi begins. Organizers expect Muslim residents to arrive after the official restrictions of Nyepi have ended.
Finally, Fahmi stressed that the coincidence of the two observances should serve as a reminder of the importance of interreligious harmony.
“We urge Muhammadiyah members in particular and Muslims in general to maintain harmony among religious communities,” he said. “This tradition of tolerance has existed for generations, and we hope it will continue to grow stronger.” (Bhisma)
