Hundreds of Ships not Operated on Hindu Day in Bali

Denpasar, Bali (Antara) - Hundreds of ferries at six of Bali's seaports that connect the tourist province with other regions in Indonesia and abroad will not be operational in view of the Hindu Day of Silence on Monday. Similarly, at Benoa port, in Denpasar city, hundreds of fishing boats are not being operated. About 2.35 vehicles will remain at the parking lots or garages for 24 hours from 6 a.m. local time on Monday (March 31) to 6 a.m. on Tuesday (April 1). Thus, for 24 hours, all economic and trade activities as well as other activities will be totally abandoned when the Hindu followers observe the Hindu Day of Silence on Monday. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, through his official twitter account @SBYudhoyono, conveyed his congratulatory message to those who celebrate Nyepi or the Hindu Day of Silence. "I hope peace will always be upon us. Om Swastiastu," declared the president on his account. The Day of Silence is considered a national holiday in Indonesia where all schools and offices are closed for one day. (*)