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Tag: Nyepi

  • Celebrating Diversity: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in Mataram Marks Special Religious Occasions

    Celebrating Diversity: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in Mataram Marks Special Religious Occasions

    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.

  • Governor Iqbal Urges Harmony Ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri in NTB

    Governor Iqbal Urges Harmony Ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri in NTB

    Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, has called upon the people of NTB to continue fostering a spirit of tolerance, unity, and mutual respect as the Hindu celebration of Nyepi coincides with the Islamic holiday of Idul Fitri. This message was conveyed by the Head of the NTB Communications, Informatics, and Statistics Office, Dr. H. Ahsanul Khalik, during a press briefing in Mataram on March 15, 2026.

    Governor Iqbal highlighted that the people of NTB have long embraced a strong tradition of tolerance and respect for the various religious practices within the community. “In NTB, we are accustomed to living in harmony. Tolerance is not merely a slogan but is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The overlapping occasions of Nyepi and Idul Fitri should serve as a prime example of how we can maintain harmony and respect for one another,” said Khalik, delivering the Governor’s message.

    The provincial government has made it clear that there are no restrictions on the Ogoh-ogoh parade for Nyepi or the Takbiran parade for Idul Fitri. Both religious activities can proceed as usual, provided they adhere to public order and mutual understanding within the community.

    In Mataram, local authorities have collaborated with Hindu and Islamic leaders, Ogoh-ogoh rally organizers, Takbiran organizers, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), and security forces to ensure smooth execution of both events. Key agreements have been reached regarding the observance of protocols, participant limits—including restrictions on out-of-region attendees—event route management, scheduling, and security oversight.

    Security personnel, including Bhabinkamtibmas and Babinsa, will monitor participants from their respective communities until the events conclude. Similar coordination efforts are being carried out in various regions across NTB, including Lingsar and Narmada in West Lombok, as well as Sumbawa and other areas hosting similar activities.

    Khalik noted that Governor Iqbal perceives the people of NTB as mature in their religious coexistence, allowing space for one another’s celebrations. Muslims have been accommodating towards the Hindu observances of Nyepi, commencing with the Ogoh-ogoh parade and followed by the Catur Brata Penyepian. Likewise, Hindus are also honoring the Takbiran night and Idul Fitri prayers.

    The contributions of religious leaders, community figures, and local officials are deemed crucial in ensuring a tranquil environment. Moreover, the younger generation is encouraged to enhance communication and unity to guarantee that religious events proceed safely and orderly.

    The NTB provincial government continues to liaise with district and municipal governments to ensure the seamless execution of the planned activities. Security support is being coordinated with the police and military to mitigate potential disturbances and ensure all events unfold safely and orderly.

    As part of his commitment to supporting local religious activities, Governor Iqbal is also expected to attend the Ogoh-ogoh parade’s ceremonial send-off in Mataram. The provincial government hopes that the overlapping celebrations of Nyepi and Idul Fitri will further strengthen the values of tolerance and unity within NTB, setting an example of harmonious religious coexistence for other regions in Indonesia.