President Jokowi Delivers Nyepi Day Greeting to Hindus in Indonesia

President Jokowi delivers his remarks virtually on the National Dharma Santi Nyepi commemoration and New Year Saka 1943, Saturday (27/03). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo congratulated all Hindus in the country on the National Dharma Santi Nyepi (Day of Silence) commemoration and New Year Saka 1943.

“On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate all Hindus throughout Indonesia for the Holy Day of Nyepi, New Year Saka 1943,” President Jokowi said during his remarks, Saturday (27/03).

President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the implementation of health protocols during the commemoration. According to him, it is in line with the values of Nyepi, including amati geni (abstaining from lighting fires), amati karya (abstaining from work), amati lelungan (abstaining from venturing outside), and amati lelanguan (abstaining from enjoying entertainment).

“By performing these series of Nyepi rituals, the Hindus offer time to the universe to rearrange its balance, to honor nature, as well as to honor our human dignity,” the President said.

The commemoration was centered at Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta by implementing strict health protocols.  The President mentioned that the temple is located side-by-side with the Buddha-style Sewu Temple, proving that religious tolerance and harmony between religious believers have been practiced for a long time.

The President also invited the Hindus to make this year’s Nyepi commemoration a momentum for self-introspection.

“I invite the Hindus throughout the country to make this year’s Nyepi commemoration a momentum for introspection and to restructure our attitudes and behavior in maintaining harmony with nature, with others, and with the Creator so that this Saka New Year will bring positive vibrations for our lives,” he remarked. (BPMI/UN) (FI/MUR)