Despite the fact that private e-motorbikes do not pollute the environment, Bali’s Transportation Office has stated that they will not be permitted to operate on the island’s roads on Nyepi Holy Day, which falls on the 22nd of March.
“In Bali, driving electric vehicles on Nyepi Day is not advised, but exceptions (will be made) for those who give birth and are sick. There will be customary village security officers (pecalang) guarding the roads,” said I Putu Sutaryana, the office’s head of road traffic.
This effort, he claims, is intended to show respect for the existing religious holy day, Nyepi, which occurs once a year.
The Bali Transportation Office collaborated with the private sector in 2022 to provide electric motorcycles to traditional villages in Denpasar. Pecalangs are allowed to patrol on e-motorbikes during Nyepi.
E-motorbikes were chosen because they emit no pollution or noise and align with the government’s efforts to accelerate the EV transition.
According to Sutaryana, even though there is no provision for electric motorbikes in traditional villages in 2023, villages that can afford and have them can use them for patrolling.
Sutaryana stated that not only land but also air and sea transportation to and from Bali will be restricted for 24 hours, from 6 a.m. Wednesday (the 22nd of March) to 6 a.m. Thursday (the 23rd of March).
“Because Nyepi Day is only observed once a year, the policy also applies to aeroplanes, and it can help save electricity. This is not for anyone other than our Balinese people.” He went on to say.
During the Hindu Day of Seclusion, Hindus in Bali must follow the Catur Brata Penyepian, which includes four restrictions: Amati Geni (no fire, light, or electricity), Amati Karya (no work), Amati Lelungan (no travel), and Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment).
Exceptions will be made based on local traditions and wisdom for vehicles transporting the sick, expecting mothers about to give birth, or other emergencies.
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