Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said it would fulfill the Bali Provincial Government's request to temporarily suspend telecommunications and broadcasting services on the island during Nyepi (Silence) Day on March 29.

"For Nyepi Day, we will prepare a letter to all mobile operators as well as broadcasting providers to cease broadcasting and services for one day," Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid remarked on Thursday.

The ministry's Director General of Digital Infrastructure, Wayan Toni Supriyanto, confirmed that telecommunications and broadcasting services would be suspended from March 29 until March 30.

"During Nyepi Day, all internet and broadcasting services will be down from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next day," Supriyanto remarked.

The temporary suspension of telecommunications and television and radio broadcasting services on Nyepi Day aims to respect Hindu worshippers observing their religious practices on the island.

On Nyepi Day, Hindu practitioners in Bali follow Catur Brata Penyepian, which involves four restrictions observed for 24 hours: Amati Geni (no fire), Amati Karya (no working), Amati Lelungan (no traveling), and Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment).

In the lead-up to Nyepi Day, on March 28, religious ceremonies such as taur kesanga, pengerupukan, and ogoh-ogoh parades will be held in districts and cities across Bali.

Meanwhile, Hafid stated that the ministry had prepared several strategies to maintain optimal network and telecommunications connectivity during the mass travel period for Eid al-Fitr.

"The government and mobile operators have agreed to provide support to the community in the form of discounted package rates of up to 50 percent without compromising on service quality," she remarked.

Related news: Indonesia ensures strong connectivity for Eid, Nyepi travelers
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Translator: Livia, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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