Government Adjusts Transportation Operations Ahead of Nyepi Day in Bali

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government, through the Ministry of Transportation and various transportation stakeholders, has implemented operational adjustments for transportation services in Bali ahead of the Hari Raya Nyepi (Day of Silence) for the Saka New Year 1948. This policy aims to ensure smooth public mobility while honoring the sacred tradition of Catur Brata Penyepian observed by Hindus on the island.

Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, stated that these operational adjustments represent the government's support for the observance of Nyepi, as well as an effort to maintain safety and travel comfort for the public.

"These operational adjustments are carried out to maintain smooth mobility while respecting the local wisdom of Catur Brata Penyepian in Bali. We urge the public to plan their travels early to ensure a safe, orderly, and comfortable journey," Dudy stated in Jakarta on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

This adjustment is the result of cross-sector coordination with local authorities and indigenous communities, as outlined in the joint decree regarding the 1948 Saka Nyepi observance. The government hopes this measure will ensure better-planned mobility while respecting local values and maintaining security in Bali.

All flight operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will be temporarily suspended for 24 hours, starting Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 06:00 WITA. This measure is taken to honor the Catur Brata Penyepian, with all domestic and international flights scheduled to return to normal on Friday morning.

Ferry services on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route will also be temporarily halted starting Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 17:00 WIB. Operations at Gilimanuk Port in Bali will be completely closed during Nyepi and are scheduled to reopen on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 06:00 WITA.

Furthermore, shipping services on the Padang Bai–Lembar route and operations at the Mengwi Type A Terminal will be temporarily suspended during the Nyepi observance. Services at both transportation hubs are scheduled to resume normal operations once the Nyepi period concludes.

Minister Dudy, has instructed transportation operators to ensure the readiness of fleets and personnel to maintain safety and service standards during this period. "We request all operators to continue coordinating with relevant agencies on the ground to ensure that all services operating before and after Nyepi remain orderly," he said.