The Christmas spirit takes on a uniquely diverse character, blending local traditions with the joyous essence of the holiday season. From Jakarta’s bustling streets to Bali’s villages, Indonesia showcases customs that celebrate Christmas distinctively. The fusion of indigenous Christmas season cultures with Christian festivities results in a tapestry of rituals and festivities, creating an atmosphere where the season’s warmth mingles seamlessly with the rich Indonesian heritage. Indonesia offers a Christmas tradition experience that is both enchanting and culturally rich, making it a destination where the magic of the holiday season is celebrated with a uniquely Indonesian flair.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is an annual festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. It is a central event in the Christian liturgical year, marking the culmination of the Advent season and initiating the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas is often characterized by exchanging gifts, festive decorations, and special meals.
Secular and cultural celebrations also play a significant role in many countries, with big or small gifts, feasting, and displaying Christmas trees and lights. The holiday has evolved over centuries, incorporating various traditions, customs, and symbols, and it is celebrated in diverse ways across different cultures and regions.
While Christmas has religious roots, it has become a global phenomenon, symbolizing a time of joy, goodwill, and togetherness for people of various backgrounds and beliefs.
How is Christmas Tradition in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, Christmas is celebrated with a unique blend of religious and cultural traditions. While the country has a predominantly Muslim population, Christmas is widely embraced and observed by people of various faiths. In major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya, festive decorations adorn malls and streets, creating a joyful atmosphere. Christian communities attend special church services, and many families come together for a festive meal on Christmas Eve. In some regions, traditional Indonesian elements are incorporated into the celebrations, adding a local touch to the global holiday.
Unveiling a Unique Christmas Celebration in Indonesia
Bakar Batu, Papua
This Christmas celebration event is included as Bakar Batu means ‘Burning Stones’, as it is derived from its name. It is a cooking activity together using stones burned by fire. This tradition will be done after the holy night to spark togetherness and a grateful act to God. It is one of the favourite Christmas celebrations in Papua.
Meriam Bambu, East Nusa Tenggara
Meriam Bambu, or bamboo cannon, is a traditional and cultural practice in Indonesia that adds a unique flair to celebratory events, especially during festivities like Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas celebrations. In East Nusa Tenggara, Meriam Bambu is used for the gratitude of happiness by celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Kunci Taon, North Sulawesi
Kunci Taon is a unique tradition carried out by people in Manado at Christmas. Literally, Taon Key means locking the year. Christians who live in Manado usually worship in church. Then, proceed with a pilgrimage to the graves of relatives.
The uniqueness of this Christmas Day tradition lies in placing decorative lights on graves during pilgrimages. The end of this tradition is usually marked when a parade is held using various unique costumes. This tradition is held for almost a month, from the beginning of December to the beginning of the first week of January. It is one of the best Christmas traditions in North Sulawesi.
Marbinda and Marhobas, North Sumatera
The Marbinda tradition aims to strengthen community togetherness, build a sense of cooperation, and as a form of gratitude to God. This matches the principle of sada Hudon, namely eating from the same livestock as a form of togetherness. Apart from that, togetherness can also be seen from the cooperative attitude in preparing everything related to this tradition. Marbinda and Marhoba’s activities will end with a celebration and meal together before the residents return home.
Wayang Wahyu, DI Yogyakarta
Wayang Wahyu is an interpretation of traditional wayang performances, weaving narratives inspired by the teachings found in Christian scriptures. Originally recognized as Wayang Catholic, the name evolved to Wayang Wahyu to better describe the essence of the performance—a captivating portrayal of the divine revelations imparted by God to His people, along with Christmas songs. This unique form of wayang storytelling bridges traditional cultural expressions and the rich spiritual narratives of the Catholic faith.
Ngejot and Penjor, Bali
Christians in Bali usually carry out the tradition of Ngejot and Penjor before Christmas celebrations. Hindus who carry out Ngejot usually deliver ointment, lawar, meat and other Balinese specialities. This tradition is the same as how Muslims who celebrate Eid, deliver ketupat (Steamed rice) and chicken opor food. Meanwhile, the Penjor is made of tall, curved bamboo and beautifully decorated yellow coconut leaves and is usually installed during Galungan Day. People will enjoy the Christmas dinner along with their loved ones.
Rabo-rabo, North Jakarta
Rabo-rabo is a tradition in Kampung Tugu, North Jakarta in an effort to wish every family member in the village a happy New Year with the keroncong musical instrument. The activity starts at the house of one of the families, and prayers are said before the rabo-rabo is carried out. The word “Rabo” comes from Portuguese and means to repeat. Kampung Tugu residents’ habit of using words is always repeated, so this traditional activity is better known as Rabo-Rabo.
