It is one of the most wonderful times of the year to be in Indonesia. As a majority Muslim nation, more than 260 million people in Indonesia are observing the holy month of Ramadan.
In Bali, which is a majority Balinese Hindu province, preparations are underway for the holy day of silence, known as Nyepi. With these religious festivities happening nationwide, an increased police presence will be available to help ensure everyone is safe.
On Wednesday, 25th February, the Denpasar Police held a Public Order and Security Alert Roll Call to mark the holy month of Ramadan. These kinds of roll call events are held regularly ahead of police operations and big public holidays and festivals.
The roll call event was held in the courtyard of the Denpasar Police Headquarters and was led by the Denpasar Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Leonardo D. Simatupang. The roll call was also attended by the Chairman of the Denpasar City Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama and the Denpasar City Muhammadiyah Leadership.
This alert roll call was held as a precautionary measure in light of increased public mobility during Ramadan. During this period, public activity and the tourism sector tend to increase, including worship services at mosques and other places of worship, shopping centers, and nighttime activities.
Police across Indonesia have noted that there is a potential for this increased movement of people to hold the potential to cause security disturbances, such as street crime, traffic accidents, traffic congestion, and even vulnerability in crowded areas. These kinds of roll call events and increased police patrols are being held throughout Indonesia, not just in Bali.
While Bali is a predominantly Balinese Hindu province, the island is home to many Muslims, some of whom were born and raised there and others who have moved from other parts of the country for work.
Domestic travel for vacations and to connect with family also increases throughout Ramadan, as many Muslims who live in Bali travel to their family homes nationwide, and many families travel to Bali for vacation. This increased movement and travel usually peaks around Eid al-Fitr, which will fall on 21st March 2026 in Indonesia this year.
During the roll call, Police Chief Simatupang told officers to “strengthen personnel presence in crowded areas, places of worship, and locations of religious activities through preventive patrols and public order and security visits. [We must] maintain the sanctity of Ramadan by providing a sense of security and comfort to the public.”
Holy Month Protocol
As Indonesia observes Ramadan and Bali prepares for Nyepi, authorities are stepping up security. Tap a card to see how this impacts your vacation.
HOLY MONTHS
Ramadan & Nyepi
TAP TO REVEALSECURITY ROLL CALL
Increased Patrols
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Peak Mobility
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What to Expect
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He noted the importance of cooperation between the National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and relevant stakeholders in anticipating potential security disruptions during the holy month. The overall mission is clear: to provide the best possible service to the public, particularly in supporting worship and religious activities, is a top priority.
He concluded, “The public has high hopes for us to provide a sense of security and comfort during the Ramadan fasting month of 1447 H. Carry out this duty with full responsibility, sincerity, and a spirit of devotion.”
For tourists traveling to Bali during Ramadan, there are very few changes in day-to-day life that would impact a vacation.
However, for tourists traveling to Bali and other areas of the country, it should be noted that daily activities can change considerably to accommodate both fasting and worship.
Neighbouring destinations like the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo are all majority muslim regions, and as such, tourists can expect to encounter differing operating hours, especially in more remote areas.
That said, for the most part, life does go on as usual, and business operating hours in areas popular with tourists generally remain consistent.
This is just a friendly reminder from The Bali Sun to expect the unexpected, to respect the holy month of Ramadan, and maybe keep some snacks in your bag in case restaurants are closed.
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WAYAN BO
Friday 27th of February 2026
It’s understandable because woman’s don’t need to wear hijabs, can drink and eat babi guling.
Randy
Tuesday 3rd of March 2026
@WAYAN BO, what a load of crap. Hijab or not people choose to do what they do...
Randy
Friday 27th of February 2026
“This is just a friendly reminder from The Bali Sun to expect the unexpected, to respect the holy month of Ramadan, and maybe keep some snacks in your bag in case restaurants are closed.” Maybe so but...
ON the other hand, people in Jakarta are eating openly in restaurants and cafes. There are no restrictions of restaurants or warteg (small eatery joints) as being closed during Ramadan. No religious police unlike in some countries watching people. Sigh!! Muslims in Java or elsewhere are free to fast or not to fast according to their own personal decision or in many cases that have health restrictions preventing them from fasting. Nonetheless it is your own choice to fast or not to fast for many different reasons.
Indonesia is a secular country and it is NOT an Islamic country despite having a large Muslim population. That is the misperception of people may have that Indonesia is ruled by a sharia law. Unlike in Banda Aceh which is a special region of Aceh that holds a special autonomous status granted in 2005. It is located at the Northern tip of Sumatra and the autonomous region does practice the Sharia law.
There are also a whole lot of Christians living in Indonesia. Indonesia is the only country that observes various religious holidays including Chinese lunar New Year. Unity in Diversity.
Randy
Friday 27th of February 2026
There could be foreign Western tourists who “choose not to understand“ Islam or Hinduism to bring their bigoted views here from the West and being disrespectful of the holidays in Indonesia. Assimilation, Unity and Tolerance are views that some foreigners may see it as a threat. Unity in diversity is enshrined in the Republic of Indonesia. Like It or not.
That Kiwi “Karen” woman who went on a rampage in a Muslim prayer room on Gili Trawangan was found to have overstayed her visa in Indonesia. It was discovered after immigration officers and the Criminal Investigation Unit of the North Lombok Police conducted an investigation following the incident on the evening of February 18, 2026. That’s a clear indication of intolerance.
And some foreigners or Aliens as we call them now in the US (sigh) also will escape to the Gili islands on Nyepi day (24 hour). That seems to long for some Western Tourists to sacrifice their comfort zone to appreciate the silence of Nyepi day.
This year Nyepi day and Eid will be on different days to avoid any religious observance colliding. Therefore each faith can practice their days of celebration without hindrance of a one another. That’s the beauty of tolerance and harmony.
Ketut
Friday 27th of February 2026
Good to hear the GOVERMENT put more extra police and the security on the pengrupukan ofah ogoh event to keep every one safe also every Hotels should have responsible for their guests who are staying in the hotel should reminder that to be careful about and not to make any trouble for the tradition Balinese special event. All the hotels villas should put a big sign at the front the Reception to give a attention about the EVENT OGOH OGOH be aware. To make sure they safety first, and not create the Problem. To improve the quality of life for the humans and for safety.