• Home
• Insight

Bali authorities will not shut down internet on day of silence

• 09 Maret 2021
• Insight
• Denpasar

NetizenBali.com, Denpasar - Bali authorities have agreed to cancel plans to shut down the internet connection on the upcoming Day of Silence Celebration (Nyepi Day) on March 14, 2021.

The Day of Silence (Nyepi Day) is an annual celebration in the Hindu tradition to make time for rest and meditation. As a predominantly Hindu province, Bali would promote meditation by blocking internet connection and closing shops, malls, offices, and even the airport, with the exception of essential services like hospitals.

Previously, there was speculation about government plans to shut down all radio and television channels as well as an internet connection for 24 hours during the day of Silence.

However, the Head of Indonesia Hinduism Society (PHDI) for Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana confirmed that according to the decree from PHDI and government officials, the plan to shut down the internet connection was canceled this year.

"Nyepi Day has been set for only one day, and the internet connection will remain active as usual. This decision was made after considering factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, as people need access to the latest information” said Sudiana during an interview on Thursday (4/3).

In response to this statement from PHDI, Badung Communication and Informatics Agency (Kominfo) is waiting for further instructions from Bali provincial government regarding the policy as the governor has not yet issued a decree.

"We’re still waiting for the official decree from the governor whether we should turn off the internet on public facilities such as Banjar like we have been doing on every Nyepi Day,” said the Head of Badung Kominfo, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Saputra on Thursday.

Meanwhile, TV and radio channels will be shut down during the celebration in order to minimize noise. (Source: thebalisun)