Every year, the atmosphere in Bali changes drastically during the celebration of Nyepi Day. Streets that are usually crowded suddenly become quiet as community activities come to a halt.
Access to mobile data and broadcasts from local broadcasting institutions will also be suspended during the observance of Nyepi Day, Saka New Year 1948, in Bali. However, WiFi-based internet services will remain active to support the operations of public services and vital facilities.
This means that internet access in hotels, villas, homes, or places that provide WiFi networks will continue to function normally. This serves as a solution for tourists or workers who still need internet connectivity while in Bali during Nyepi.
The Head of the Denpasar City Office of Communication, Informatics, and Statistics, Gde Wirakusuma Wahyudi, explained that this policy is part of a digital access control scheme during Nyepi so that Hindus can carry out Catur Brata Penyepian more solemnly.
“Access termination only applies to individual mobile data and local broadcasting institutions,” said Wirakusuma Wahyudi, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
This policy refers to a circular issued by the Bali Province Interfaith Harmony Forum, acknowledged by the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum.
He emphasized that WiFi-based internet services connected through fiber optic networks will remain functional to ensure the smooth operation of essential services, such as hospitals, security posts, police, fire departments, and other emergency service units.
In addition, WiFi access can also still be utilized by non-Hindu communities who require information during the Nyepi celebration.
“The hope is that, especially for Hindus, with the suspension of mobile data and the cessation of broadcasts from local institutions, they can carry out Catur Brata Penyepian more solemnly,” Wahyudi continued.
The suspension of mobile data services as well as local television and radio broadcasts will last for 24 hours, starting Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 06:00 WITA until Friday, March 20, 2026, at 06:00 WITA.
Sources : RRI, MalangTimes
Feat Image: via AntaraNews/Wira Suryantala