dc_during_nyepi.txt

Recently, I saw an announcement that the mobile network in Bali will
be shut down during Nyepi.

What will happen to the servers in a data center in Bali?

Will they also go offline?

ChatGPT's response:

Great question — and it's timely, given that Nyepi (Balinese Day
of Silence) brings very unique conditions.

### What happens during Nyepi?
Nyepi is a Hindu celebration observed primarily in Bali. For 24
hours:
- No lights
- No travel
- No entertainment
- No internet or mobile network access
- Even the airport shuts down
- Everyone, including tourists, is expected to stay indoors

This year, mobile networks and even fiber internet access are
typically *suspended* for the day — but that's focused on
**residential and general public** access.

---

### What about data centers?
Data centers in Bali — or those operating under stricter
service-level agreements (SLAs) — are usually **exempt from the
network blackout** for these reasons:

1. **They are considered critical infrastructure.**
   - Just like hospitals or emergency services, data centers often
fall under essential services.

2. **They may use dedicated lines.**
   - Business-grade internet and backbone connections (like leased
lines or dedicated fiber) aren't always subject to the Nyepi
blackout. The shutdown mostly affects ISPs serving consumer-grade
access.

3. **They have backup power and remote access protocols.**
   - Operations and maintenance during Nyepi are done remotely or
via on-call staff who are pre-approved to work during the holiday
under religious and governmental allowances.

---

### So will Bali-based servers go offline?
**Unlikely.** Servers inside a proper data center in Bali will
almost certainly remain online and reachable from the outside world.

However:
- **Local staff won’t be physically present**, unless specifically
cleared.
- **Consumer internet and mobile access within Bali will be
disabled.** So if you try to access those servers from within Bali
using regular means — tough luck.

---

If you’re running infra in Bali and need to be 100% sure, it’s a
good idea to:
- Check with your data center provider
- Ensure remote monitoring and control is fully functional ahead of
Nyepi
- Confirm they have exemptions and power/internet redundancy plans