Lombok Zone – The spirit of tolerance and diversity was vividly showcased in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) as thousands of Hindu Dharma followers participated in the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. This event welcomed the Nyepi Day and the Saka New Year, coinciding beautifully with the holy month of Ramadan this year.
Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, alongside Hj. Sinta Agathia M Iqbal, the head of NTB’s TP. PKK, and Mataram Mayor H. Mohan Roliskana, expressed their admiration for the dedication and creativity displayed by the Hindu community in putting together this cultural event. He noted that the Ogoh-Ogoh creations were exceptional works of art, meticulously crafted to perfection.
“Together with the Mayor of Mataram, we are amazed at how the Hindu Dharma community expresses their artistic talents and seriousness. None of the Ogoh-Ogoh looked subpar; they were all prepared with great care,” he commented during his visit on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
This year’s celebration was notably special as two significant religious holidays, Nyepi for Hindus and Idul Fitri for Muslims, occurred in such close proximity. The Governor referred to this coincidence as a “remarkable blessing,” highlighting that approximately 99 percent of the NTB population is collectively engaged in a process of self-purification.
“With nearly 96 percent of the NTB population being Muslim and about 3 percent Hindu, this means 99 percent of our community is undergoing purification together. This is a good sign that peace, comfort, and order will always accompany us,” he added.
He also emphasized to the press that this event serves as a tangible demonstration to the international community of NTB’s maturity in religious practices and its strong roots of tolerance that have been nurtured for centuries.
The orderly conduct of the event is hoped to set a new standard for future celebrations, reinforcing NTB’s reputation as a harmonious province amidst diversity.
