DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Mobile data services in Bali will be temporarily disabled for 24 hours during the island’s annual Nyepi Day of Silence in 2026, while other communication services such as WiFi, phone calls, and SMS will remain available.
Head of the Bali Provincial Communications, Informatics, and Statistics Office, Gede Pramana, explained that the restriction applies specifically to mobile data packages on cellular networks. The policy does not involve a complete shutdown of telecommunications signals.
“It is not the signal that is turned off, but the mobile data packages. Phone calls and SMS services will still function,” Pramana said on Monday (March 2, 2026).
He emphasized that household WiFi and fixed internet services will continue operating normally throughout the Nyepi observance, provided there are no technical disruptions from service providers.
“Home WiFi and internet connections will remain normal, with no reduction in speed. Only mobile data on phones will be disabled,” he added.
The government will also ensure that connectivity remains active at critical facilities and strategic locations that require continuous communication, including sectors related to security, healthcare, and other essential services. Access in these locations will operate through official authorization mechanisms.
Meanwhile, local television broadcasts in Bali will be temporarily suspended during Nyepi as a form of respect for the observance of Catur Brata Penyepian, the four principles that guide the Day of Silence.
“For television broadcasts in Bali, they will be turned off during Nyepi. This is a request from the regional government,” Pramana explained.
Implementation of the policy is coordinated through the central government, which facilitates discussions with telecommunications providers and television broadcasters. The Bali Provincial Government has formally submitted its request to the relevant ministry, which then organizes coordination meetings with service providers.
“Usually the coordination is handled by the central government through online meetings with providers and television stations,” he said.
According to Pramana, the restriction on mobile data during Nyepi has been implemented consistently for years. The typical schedule begins at 06:00 WITA on Nyepi Day and continues until 06:00 WITA the following morning.
Responding to questions about whether household WiFi could reduce the spiritual meaning of Nyepi, he said the essence of the observance ultimately depends on individual awareness and discipline.
“It returns to each individual. Even if there is no technical prohibition, those who observe Nyepi faithfully will choose not to use it,” he concluded.