No internet for 24 hours in Bali, says authority

dok. kumparan

DENPASAR, kanalbali.com - The authority has confirmed that the Nyepi day of silence would see Bali with no internet access. The internet access will be shut down for 24 hours from 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, to 6 a.m. the following day.

"I hope that non Hindus living in Bali could respect the decision," the Bali provincial administration's spokesperson, Gede Darmawa said.

The Communications and Information Ministry has sent notices to internet providers, requesting them to respect the call. The ministry's letter was issued after Bali Governor I Wayan Koster send a letter to the minister.

The ministry letter is also issued to respon a letter from Bali Religious Council that called on internet providers to shut down operations in Bali. "The ministry letter calls the internet provider to

create a solemn and qualified Nyepi day," Darmawa said.

"By shutting down the internet, we hope Hindus could observed Nyepi day solemnly," he added.

Gede Darmawa. (dok. Bali Provincial Administration)

Strategic facilities like hospitals, police stations, disaster agency, and military will be spared from the restriction.

"We hope all internet provider notice their customer that the internet access would be shut down," he said.

Interfaith leaders warmly welcome the plan, saying that they respect all people from all religion to observe their holy day. "We respect all people for observe their respective holy day. We are ready to support the policy (to shut down internet)," said Abdul Kadir Makaramah from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Bali Chapter. (kanalbali/KR12)