Bali religious groups push for a 24-hour total internet shutdown during Nyepi

Indonesian Hindu groups are once again urging authorities to cut off Bali’s internet supply during the holy day of Nyepi, which falls on Thursday, March 7, this year.

Nyepi, which marks the beginning of the Saka New Year in Bali, is traditionally a time for silence and self reflection, during which work, travel, entertainment, and lighting fires are strictly prohibited.

Last year, authorities complied with the requests by blocking mobile internet data. Although ISPs were allowed to keep operating, they did block social sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

“The purpose of the termination of the internet is the same as last year; so that Hindus can solemnly carry out Nyepi day,” said the chairman of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, Bali, Prof. Dr. I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, as quoted in detiknews.

Sudiana expressed his belief that, in previous years, the distracting influence of social media had detracted from the true essence of the Balinese ‘Day of Silence’.

“With no internet last year, there were almost no ‘defects’ during Nyepi. Hopefully, with the proposal of the internet shutdown, the special requirements of Nyepi will be better executed, and the people in Bali will be more calm and peaceful, especially leading up to the 2019 election,” he continued.

But according to a report by Bali Post, the final decision as to whether the island’s internet will be fully suspended has yet to be made.

While television and radio broadcasters signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to assure their cooperation in suspending transmissions for the 24 hours over Nyepi, there still remains a question over what internet services will remain available during the holiday, if any.

Even if the internet is turned off this year, however, it will likely once again be limited to cellular data. And of course, emergency services, hospitals, airports, and disaster agencies will be exempt from the shutdown.