Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr Close Together, Vice President Says Diversity is Strength

SLEMAN, KOMPAS — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony at the Prambanan Temple Complex, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Friday (28/3/2025). During the event, the Vice President conveyed a message to always uphold interfaith tolerance, as diversity is Indonesia's strength.

The Vice President, who attended along with several ministers and deputy ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet, expressed his delight at being able to visit Prambanan, which he described as lush and beautiful. The temple is located adjacent to Sewu Temple, which is a Buddhist temple.

"Its location is adjacent to Sewu Temple, serving as one of the symbols of interfaith tolerance. Prambanan Temple is a national asset recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Therefore, we must preserve and maintain it properly," said the Vice President in his speech.

The Vice President stated that Indonesia is blessed with natural wealth and diversity, including ethnicities, religions, customs, and cultures. This year, the Saka New Year 1947 coincides closely with the Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri celebration. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening tolerance and mutual respect for differences.

"Religiosity is our strength, differences mature us, differences unite us. Harmony and unity must be preserved together," he stated.

On that occasion, the Vice President expressed gratitude to all Hindus who are considered to consistently preserve nature, tolerance, unity, and harmony in Indonesia. The Vice President also invited Hindus to actively support and oversee President Prabowo Subianto's priority programs so that they can be implemented effectively and provide maximum benefits for all citizens.

"Happy Holy Day of Silence in the Year of Taru Saka 1947. May peace, happiness, and blessings always accompany you," said the Vice President.

The Chairman of the National Committee for the Celebration of Nyepi Day Saka 1947, Gede Narayana, stated that there are several activities planned to welcome Nyepi. Prior to the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony, which is conducted for the welfare and harmony of nature, Hindus perform Melasti, a ritual of self-purification.

"Hindu adheres to Tri Hita Karana, which means maintaining relationships, not only with God, but also with humans and the environment. Therefore, in every Nyepi celebration, we carry out purification or cleansing of the body, soul, and environment," said Gede Narayana.

Outside of the ritual events, the Nyepi celebration committee throughout Indonesia, Gede Narayana said, carries out various activities that refer to the main theme of the Nyepi celebration, namely "Manawa Sewa, Madawa Sewa" which means serving others is the same as serving God. These non-ritual activities include planting trees, holding national seminars to strengthen the quality of human resources, and carrying out Boga Sevanam or giving food to others.

"Throughout Indonesia, we are conducting Boga Sevanam in 29 provinces in 100 locations. Then there is also Saka Yoga which involves various components," said Gede Narayana.

Gede Narayana said, Dharma Santi will be the peak of the Nyepi Day celebration. In this activity, Hindus will perform Upaksama or forgiveness. The event is to establish and strengthen ties between religions.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Nyepi Committee of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Saka 1947/2025 Nyoman Gunarsa said that an ogoh-ogoh parade would be held at the end of the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony. There are eight ogoh-ogoh and two gunungan paraded.

"This is part of providing a spectacle and guidance on the values contained in the ogoh-ogoh figures that we create," he said.

Religiousness is our strength, differences mature us, differences unite us. We must maintain harmony and unity together

Putu Devi (27), a Hindu from Bali, said that she was impressed by the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony in Prambanan. According to her, Nyepi is a moment for self-reflection.

"Hindus are expected to be able to provide sincere service in every activity. I hope that in the future, tolerance will no longer be something that is always said but directly done," said Devi.