Bali will turn off all its mobile internet for a full 24 hours on Saturday 17 March in honour of the Hindu ‘Day of Silence’ known as Nyepi.
This will be the first time that all the island’s mobile providers have agreed to the request.
Nyepi is one of the most important days in the ancient Balinese calendar and marks the start of the Hindu New Year for the island. It is known as a ‘Day of Silence’ where the island’s inhabitants will use the day as a time for reflection on the year ahead.
During that day Nyepi asks that Balinese Hindus follow four rules: no entertainment, no travel, no activity of any kind and no fire. For many this will also include no talking.
According to tirto.id the Balinese government have confirmed that all essential and emergency services will of course remain active including hospitals, airports and government buildings.
It should also be pointed out that Bali won’t be shutting down the island’s entire internet infrastructure so WiFi and home internet services will still be available.
Depending on how well this year’s blackout is received the government hasn’t ruled out the idea of then shutting down the country’s home internet services as well.
Speaking to reporters, the Guardian reports that Balinese governor Made Pastika joked that “If the internet is disconnected, people will not die.”