Bali will shut off mobile internet for one whole day
Each year, the entire island of Bali in Indonesia goes completely quiet for Nyepi, otherwise known as the "Day of Slience."
The island's only airport is shut, as people keep off beaches and streets, keeping lights and noise to a minimum on a day intended for self-reflection.
This Saturday, the quiet will extend to internet on mobile devices. The Bali head of Indonesia's Ministry of Communications, Nyoman Sujaya, confirmed that data will be off for 24 hours following an agreement with telecommunications companies, according to AP.
Internet access related to hospitals, security, the digital economy, and cyber crime will be unaffected, according to Berita Satu. The shut off will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, and finish at the same time on Sunday.
It's reportedly the first time the internet has been shut off the for the holiday, although religious and government leaders made the same request last year.
"Let’s rest a day, free from the internet to feel the calm of the mind," head of the Indonesian Hinduism Society in Denpasar, Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, said.
While mostly a Hindu holiday, the Day of Silence also applies to non-Hindus and tourists, the latter of which especially will have to refrain from their selfie-taking for one day.
