Bali Governor Sends Letters Flagging Airport Closure For Nyepi

Jakarta Globe, February 01, 2010

Balinese people carry statues during the " Melasti" purification ceremony at Padanggalak beach, in Sanur, Bali, which occurs before Nyepi. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika has sent letters to four ministers in relation to the closure of the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and four boat ports for the Nyepi holiday, which will fall on March 16, in order to ensure there is no confusion on the Saka New Year.

“The letter, dated December 29 was sent to the communications minister, foreign minister, home affairs minister and information technology minister,” the head of Bali’s communications and transport agency, I Made Santha, said in Denpasar on Monday.

Information about the airport and port closures had already been circulated to all airlines and sea transportation companies in Indonesia and overseas, as well as tourist offices, government and private agencies, Pastika wrote.

“All travel agencies and those marketing tour packages overseas need to spread knowledge of the meaning and significance of the Nyepi holy day for Hindus,” Made Santha said.

The Day of Silence for Nyepi will begin at 6 a.m. on March 16 and lasts for 24 hours. The Balinese Hindu ritual proscribes complete quiet and puts prohibitions on worldly distractions such as work, travel, entertainment. Tourists are advised not to leave their hotels during the day.

Antara