Nyepi celebration: Bali Governor writes to four ministers

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Mon, 02/01/2010 - Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has sent letters to four ministers in connection with the plan to temporarily close Ngurah Rai International Airport and four seaports for the celebration of the Nyepi (the Hindu Day of Silence) holiday on March 16, 2010.

"The letters dated Dec. 29, 2009, have been sent to the transportation minister, the foreign minister, the home minister and communication and information technology minister," head of the Bali province's Transportation and Information Agency I Made Santha said in Denpasar Monday.

Pastika said in his letters that all sea and air transportation companies, both in country and overseas,
had been informed of the planned temporary closure of the airport, seaports and all other transportation on the island of Bali when Hindus celebrate their Day of Silence.

Copies of the letters have also been sent to all private and government institutions on the island to enable them to support and succeed in the celebration of Nyepi, which will take place for 24 hours from 6 a.m. on March 16, 2010 to 6 a.m. the following day.

Made Santha said the governor's letter had been received by Ngurah Rai Airport authorities which have duly told all domestic and international airline companies.

"All travel bureaus are expected to disseminate the information, including the meaning of the celebration of the Day of Silence, in their tourism packages," Made Santha said as quoted by the Antara news agency.

The provision of early information is expected to prevent any confusion in interpreting the meaning of the Hindu Day of Silence which is celebrated every 420 days.