Indonesia Public Holidays and Collective Leave Days 2023

By familiarizing themselves with Indonesian holidays and joint leaves, tourists can plan their itineraries more effectively, aligning their travel experiences with the cultural celebrations, and making the most of their time in this enchanting destination. From witnessing traditional ceremonies to exploring the breathtaking landscapes, understanding the holiday calendar allows tourists to engage with the heart and soul of Indonesia, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper connection with the local culture.

Public holidays in Indonesia can vary from region to region, and it’s essential to be aware of them to ensure a smooth trip. Some of the most significant holidays in Indonesia include Idul Fitri, Chinese New Year, Independence Day, and Christmas. Private holidays are specific to certain organizations, companies, or industries and may not be observed by everyone.

This article aims to provide you with a complete list of  Indonesia’s public and private holidays in 2023, which can help planning your efficient trip accordingly.

What are the public Indonesian holiday?

Public holidays in Indonesia are official holidays that are recognized and observed nationwide. These holidays are established by the Indonesian government and are applicable to both public and private sectors. Public holidays are non-working days, and most businesses, government offices, schools, and other institutions are closed on these days.

Public holidays in Indonesia have cultural, religious, and historical significance. They commemorate important events, religious festivals, and national milestones. The dates of some public holidays are fixed, while others vary each year as they are based on specific calendars, such as the lunar calendar for Islamic holidays or the Chinese calendar for Chinese New Year.

What are the private Indonesian holiday?

In Indonesia, private holidays, also known as “cuti bersama” or joint leave days, are additional days off granted by the government to encourage longer breaks and facilitate travel or family reunions during specific holiday periods long weekends. These joint leave days are typically added to public holidays, creating an extended holiday period for public and private sector employees.

Private holidays are intended to promote work-life balance and provide opportunities for individuals to spend quality time with their families or engage in recreational activities. During these joint leave days, employees are not required to work, and offices and businesses may be closed or operate with limited staff.

The Indonesian government determines the specific dates for private holidays, which can vary yearly. They are typically announced by the government closer to the holiday periods. Personal holidays apply to public and private sector employees, although the exact implementation and duration of the joint leave days and joint holidays may vary between organizations.

It’s important to note that private holidays are distinct from regular annual leave days, granted to employees individually and can be taken at any time by prior arrangement with their employers. On the other hand, private holidays are designated by the government and apply to the entire workforce across the country.

Upcoming Holidays (June 2023 to January 2024)

Religious Holidays in Indonesia

Five religions are recognized by the Indonesian government: Islam, Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, and Hindu. Religious holidays in Indonesia are specific days or periods of observance that hold religious and cultural significance for different religious communities in the country. These holidays are an integral part of the religious practices and traditions followed by various faiths in Indonesia.

Religious holidays are marked by special rituals, prayers, gatherings, and often include cultural and social celebrations. These holidays provide an opportunity for individuals and communities to express their devotion, deepen their spiritual connection, and engage in religious practices specific to their beliefs. In Indonesia, the following faith-based festivals are national holidays (tanggal merah):

Muslim Indonesian Holiday

Muslim holidays in Indonesia are religious observances and celebrations that hold significance for the Muslim community, which is the majority religious group in the country. These holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and are observed by Muslims across Indonesia.

Satu Muharam or Tahun Baru Hijrah – Muslim New Year – 1st day of Muharam

This date is designated as the start of the new year on the Hijrah calendar.

Maulid Nabi – Birth of the Prophet Mohammad – 12th day of Rabiul Awal

On his birthday, Milad-un Nabi or Maulid (Mawlid), the Prophet Muhammad, is commemorated. The Islamic Calendar’s Rabi’ al-Awwal (the First Spring Season) month is known as Shahr al-Mawhid (the Month of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birth) in the Muslim world. The Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, an Arabian city, on the twelfth day of the third lunar month of the Muslim calendar, or Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Muslims gather in Indonesia to thank Allah for sending the Prophet Muhammad to be His messenger. Speeches and lectures about the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet are presented at mosques and other public places. Following prayers, candy is distributed, and devotees may receive a perfume spray. Furthermore, it is a family-oriented celebration where everyone dresses to the nines and children receive money or gifts. In some Indonesian cities, such as Yogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta), believers commemorate the Maulid by organizing parades or carnivals, chanting special prayers, and singing religious songs known as “Barzanzi.” The custom is known as the “Mauludan Festival.” During the occasion, food competitions that are said to have been blessed by the Prophet are organised.

Isra Miraj – Ascension of the Prophet Mohammad – 27th day of the 7th month

Celebrates the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to heaven. Prayer sessions are held in local mosques.

Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Lebaran – End of the Ramadan fasting month – 1 Syawal

The end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Throughout the country, enormous prayers are held in mosques and prominent open locations. We celebrated with the traditional dish ketupat and spent time with family and friends. Traditionally, charitable donations (amal) are made at this time. Just before Lebaran, millions leave Jakarta in a mass exodus (mudik) to return to their villages to celebrate with family and friends. During their trips, Mohon Maaf Lahir and Batin express their need for forgiveness for any wrongdoings or slights made in the previous year. THR, or Lebaran bonus, is traditionally given to every Muslim, public official, or employee before the Lebaran holiday. Cities have Halal-bihalal (mutual begging for forgiveness) meetings.

Idul Adha or Lebaran Haji – Muslim Day of Sacrifice – 10th day of Dzulhijjah

It celebrates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. It takes place at the end of the traditional Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. Mass prayers are held in mosques and vast open locations across the country.

It is common to witness goats and water buffalo being sold and tethered in communities in the days/weeks leading up to the occasion. On Idul Adha, animals are ritually slain, and Muslim charitable organizations and mosques hand the flesh to the poor.

Christian Indonesian Holiday

Christian holidays overlap with holidays observed in other countries. As national holidays, Indonesia honours the following Christian holidays:

Wafat Isa Almasih – Good Friday – Commemorates Jesus’ death
Hari Paskah – Easter – Commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead
Kenaikan Isa Almasih – Ascension of Christ – Celebrates the day Jesus ascended into Heaven
Hari Natal – Christmas – Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ

Hindu Indonesian Holiday

Hari Raya Galungan – Galungan

Celebrates the return of the Gods and ancient ancestral spirits to their ancestral homes on Earth. The festivities include offerings, dancing, and new apparel.

Hari Raya Nyepi – Nyepi

Nyepi, or the Day of Silence, honours the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Nyepi is computed according to the aka (Saka) lunar calendar, and the public holiday happens on the first day of Saka in March or April each year. The name Nyepi is derived from the root word “sepi,” which means calm or silent. Although it is a national holiday observed by Indonesians throughout the country, Nyepi is especially honoured on the island of Bali, where most of the 4.2 million inhabitants practice Hinduism, as well as in Balinese Hindu communities throughout Indonesia.

Buddhist Indonesian Holiday

Hari Waisak – Waisak Day – Vesak – May

Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death are commemorated. Religious and social activities in Buddhist temples across the country add to the festive atmosphere. The largest Buddhist temples in Indonesia, Candi Mendut and Candi Borobudur, located in the Magelang Regency in Central Java, not far from Yogyakarta, are the focus of attraction and draw both locals and tourists.

Indonesian Holidays

August 17th, Hari Proklamasi Indonesia – Indonesian Independence Day

Indonesians commemorate the proclamation of independence from Dutch colonial control after 350 years. Festivities are planned by the government, neighborhood community associations, and organizations in both cities and villages.

International Holidays

January 1st, Tahun Baru – New Year’s Day

In cities, New Year’s Eve is marked by some festivity. Special meals, entertainment, and dancing are available in hotels, discos, and major restaurants. To celebrate the new year, revelers take to the streets, blowing party horns and banging drums.

January – February Imlek – Chinese New Year

Indonesians of Chinese heritage celebrate the Lunar New Year. The day’s events include visits from family and friends, special foods, and ampau (money) gifts. Larger cities’ Chinese business districts are decorated with lanterns and banners, and dragon dances are performed.

Most Chinese merchants close their doors for at least one day, if not several. Many greeting cards are available in retailers and can be sent to Chinese friends and colleagues. Imlek’s date is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar. The government is open for business.

Commemorative Days

On commemoration days, NO offices or companies are closed.

April 21st Hari Kartini – Kartini Day

Raden Ajeng Kartini’s birthday, a significant leader in Indonesia’s women’s independence struggle. The festival is distinguished by events organized by women’s groups. Children in Indonesian schools compete in national dress competitions. Kartini’s letters to friends in Holland were published in Letters of a Javanese Princess.

May 2nd Hari Pendidikan Nasional – National Education Day

Celebrates the birth, development, and advancement of the Indonesian educational system. National health day ceremonies are held at schools across the country.

May 20th Hari Kebangkitan Nasional – National Awakening Day

June 1st Hari Pancasila – Pancasila Day

Commemorates the five basic principles of Indonesian State Philosophy, known as Pancasila. National maritime day ceremonies are held in government offices and schools.

June 22nd Ulang Tahun Jakarta – Jakarta’s Anniversary

Jakarta’s establishment in 1527 is commemorated on this day. The main event, the Jakarta Fair, is hosted at the Jakarta Fairgrounds. Furthermore, performances reflecting Betawi (Jakarta’s indigenous people) culture are held across the city.

September 30th G30S-PKI (pronounced gay tiga puluh es)

Commemorates the Communist Party of Indonesia’s attempted coup of the Indonesian government.

October 1st Hari Kesaktian Pancasila

October 5th Hari ABRI – Armed Forces Day

Commemorates the achievements and glories of the Indonesian Armed Forces, emphasizing and reaffirming their distinctive place in Indonesian society.

October 28th Hari Sumpah Pemuda – Youth Pledge Day

On this day in 1928, the Indonesian youth banded together against the Dutch and established the promise.

November 10th Hari Pahlawan – Hero’s Day

Around the archipelago, solemn ceremonies are held at national cemeteries. Those officials identified as heroes by the Indonesian government’s military police are honored in a number of forums and activities.

December 22nd Hari Ibu – Mother’s Day

Events emphasize the unique role of mothers in particular, and women in general.

Calendars Used in Indonesia

Muslim Calendar – Hijriah

A lunar calendar that is ten to eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The calendar begins the year Mohammad flew from Mecca to Medina. Each lunar month consists of 29 days.

Gregorian or Roman Calendar

This calendar, which is used all around the world, begins with the birth of Christ. Except for the month of February, the year is divided into 12 months, each of which has 30 or 31 days.

Balinese Calendar – Saka-Wuku

The Balinese calendar, also known as the Pawukon calendar, is a hybrid of Saka, the Hindu solar-lunar year with 12 moons, and the Javanese-Balinese Wuku calendar, which has 210 days divided into weeks. The mixture of these two calendars, as well as the numerous names for the various weeks and days, make the Balinese calendar a difficult puzzle to unravel. Special charts and tables are used by experts in the field to calculate the dates for various religious festivals and noteworthy days.

The Balinese calendar is utilized to establish auspicious days such as the Balinese New Year, birthdays (oton), temple anniversaries (odalan), and the other festivals and religious days. It is also utilized for rites of passage events crucial in Balinese daily life, such as marriage, tooth filing, and cremations. The Saka-Wuku calendar is used by rural Balinese to calculate suitable days for agriculture planting. The lunar phases govern the calendar, with the full moon (purnama) and new moon (tilem) being the most important days.

A Complete List of Public and Private Indonesian Holiday 2023 (FAQs)

What are public holidays in Indonesia?

Public holidays in Indonesia are days that are legally designated as state-wide holidays. On these days, offices, schools, and government buildings are closed and public transportation may operate on a reduced schedule.

What are the private holidays in Indonesia?

Private holidays are days that are not designated as state-wide holidays, but some companies or organizations may choose to close to celebrate certain events such as their founding day or anniversary. Private holidays are not mandatory and may not be observed by all companies or organizations.

What holidays are celebrated in Indonesia?

Indonesia celebrates a range of holidays including national and religious holidays. Some of the major holidays celebrated in Indonesia are New Year’s Day, Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, and Indonesia’s Independence Day.

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