3 days lock down of nyepi not moving ahead

The initial plan of locking down Bali for 3 days on Nyepi between 18-20 April as a pilot for lock down which was to convince Balinese people to stay at home through religious and solely to avoid using the word lock down to avoid panic has been postponed.

It was mentioned that this ‘special Nyepi’ would have not implemented the same rules, i.e. no sound, activities, lights etc, but only required the population of Bali to stay at home and off the streets. 

The motivation behind this plan was to curb the spread of Covid-19 through a planned forced social distancing. However the detailed discussion between Majelis Desa Adat (Customary Village Assembly) and Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) of Bali came to conclusion that the plan will not be implemented.

This decision is taken as both groups believe that the Balinese community is following and adhering the guidance provided by the government to stay at home, keeping the businesses closed and avoiding gatherings of group with proper social distancing.

This announcement continued with the reminder to the people and the communities in Bali to keep following and adhering the regulations set by the Balinese Government and Police. by not travelling or carrying out activities that are deemed ‘unnecessary’, to wear masks wherever and whenever possible when in public, to continue to remain home and socially distance and of course to protect their own health and well-being. 

For religious affairs and ceremonies people are requested by the organizations to perform them in the safety in their own houses and at their compound shrines.

This is indeed a great news if followed properly as the Islands informal sector that depends on daily cash circle from owners to gojek drivers may have struggled financially.