Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia during the Commemoration of National Dharma Santi Nyepi (Day of Silence) and New Year of Saka 1943, Saturday, 27 March 2021, from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Om Swastiastu.

Honorable Ministers of Indonesia Onward Cabinet;

Honorable Dharma Adhyaksa, the Sulinggih and Pinandita;

Honorable Chairperson of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia Central Executive Board;

Honorable Governor of Special Region of Yogyakarta;

Honorable Hindus across the country;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Guests;

First and foremost, 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 of Saka 1943.

I would also like to express my gratitude to all Hindus for adhering to health protocols during the commemoration of Holy Day of Nyepi this year. This is in line with the values of Nyepi that guide Hindus to carry out Catur Brata Penyepian (four stages of Nyepi prohibitions). First, amati geni (abstaining from lighting fires), controlling all passions. Second, amati karya (abstaining from work),  focusing on doing meditation or introspection. Third, amati lelungan (abstaining from venturing outside, making or being in the crowd). Fourth, amati lelanguan (abstaining from enjoying entertainment, focusing on feeling calm, clarity, peace, and purity of heart).

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.

My beloved Hindu brothers and sisters,

In practicing Dharma teachings, Hindus in Indonesia always integrate themselves with the noble customs and culture of the nation. Hindus in Indonesia always safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage, and preserve the masterpieces of the archipelago scattered throughout Indonesia.

In Java island, we have many historical temples which hold noble values. There is Prambanan Temple which has received recognition from UNESCO as a world heritage site. Prambanan Temple, like Borobudur Temple, is a masterpiece that proves the ability and superiority of our nation in the past, providing meaningful messages that are beautifully engraved in temple reliefs.

Prambanan Temple was built side by side with the Buddha-style Sewu Temple. This teaches us all that religious tolerance and harmony between religious believers have been practiced for a long time. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika  (Unity in Diversity) is the DNA of the Indonesian nation.

This historical heritage has great potential to be developed and utilized for the advancement of the nation, as a source of learning for the nation’s noble values, for the advancement of research and science. And also, it can be developed and packaged in a professional manner as a tourist destination, to attract more domestic and foreign tourists, to get to know more and love our nation’s historical heritage. And, certainly, it will bring an impact on the welfare of the communities, especially the surrounding communities.

Esteemed Guests,

Lastly, 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 new lives, to always memayu hayuning bawana (to beautify the world), as our endeavors to jointly create harmony, peace, and welfare.

I thank you.

Om Santi Santi Santi Om. (FI/MUR)